Product Description

8GB Cruzer Contour

Product Details

• Color: Black
• Brand: SanDisk
• Model: SDCZ8-8192-A75
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 2.87" h x .93" w x .40" l, .25 pounds

Features

• Stylish Black Glossy Finish
• Unique slider USB connector. No more lost caps
• High Performance: 25 MB/sec read, 18 MB/sec write speeds
• U3 Smart enabled. Carry and launch your personal applications and settings on any PC

Customer Reviews

Works as advertised, but has some design flaws
It's great to have an 8 GB USB thumbdrive to hold the large amounts of mulitmedia files I need for my work. It's fast and has a wide range of useful software included. Face it, if you use an 8 GB thumb drive, you really need password protection. Fortunately, password protection is included. Remember to activate the feature, since password protection is not the default. On the downside, I have serious concerns about the durability of the device. The method for opening and closing the USB drive is awkward. It seems like a human factors design step backwards from the previous SanDisk devices. In this new iteration, it's a multi-step process, requiring a nimble backward and forward sliding action. It takes getting used to and I still don't like it. I tend to believe that the more complicated the mechanism, the more likely it is to fail, especially since it's constructed primarily from plastic (with a metal sleeve). Another problem (in my opinion) is the lack of a lanyard or a place to attach a lanyard. The soft storage case that is included can be attached to a lanyard, but not the drive itself. In my opinion, this increases the likelihood of losing the device and your data. As a U3 compatible thumb drive, this is the first drive I've owned that is large enough that I actually feel comfortable using the installed programs. In the past, I've deleted them to make room for other files. However, I'm still not 100% comfortable using a password manager in a device that can be easily lost (encryption or not). Overall, it is a functional device and I will use it extensively. I hope SanDisk returns to their simpler, one-motion, retractable design in future iterations of this device, provides a metal casing, and includes a lanyard.

Update: I've now had this drive for over two months and it has worked flawlessly. I still don't like the mechanism, but it does the job of holding my files! Also, the price has come down considerably since I wrote the initial review, so I am more inclined to recommend it.

Fast and loads of space
I will not list the specifications in this review because you can read it from other reviewers or the SanDisk site. Instead I would like to address some of the comments listed in other reviews.

Comparing this drive to my other brand, this drive is a little larger. However, anytime you have something sticking out of the USB on your laptop it can get in the way or accidentally hit, no matter what the size.

True there is not way to put a lanyard on the drive, but it does have a case with a hook for a lanyard. This is a much better idea for transporting because the drive is protected in the case.

The transfer speed of this drive is many times faster than my other drive. I transferred 7gb of files in less than 8 minutes and without any corrupt files.

The mechanism for opening and closing the drive is a little odd, but I have had no problems. It just takes a little getting use to. Plus, you do not have to worry about misplacing a cap.

The issues a few reviewers had are very minor to me. I personally really like this drive because it works great, it is fast and has a lot of space.

Works with Windows Vista
Available in 4 GB and 8 GB capacities, this U3 Smart device makes the concept of portable applications a reality. Yes, you can carry your own configured programs in your pocket and run them on someone else's computer. Windows Vista users know about ReadyBoost, which enables the PC to use the Flash drive as additional RAM. For laptop owners, this is perhaps the cheapest way to get a RAM upgrade.

Available in 4 GB and 8 GB capacities, the SanDisk Cruzer Contour makes the concept of portable applications a reality. Yes, you can carry your own configured programs in your pocket and run them on someone else's computer.

But why would anyone need an 8 GB drive? The answer is partly U3 and partly our desire to make our data portable. It is certified for Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Mac OS X (The device comes with a "Works with Windows Vista" label, not a "Certified for Windows Vista" one.)

I have already lost one cap from my SanDisk Cruzer Micro drive, but this won't be an issue with the Cruzer Contour, as it has a sliding cover that hides the USB connector when not in use. It features ReadyBoost and includes the following U3 compatible programs:

* CruzerSync - Desktop synchronisation tool
* SignupShield - Password manager
* Skype - PC to PC video and audio calls
* Avast - Antivirus
* HP Photosmart - Digital photo organiser/editor
* Sudoku/Mahjong - Games

More realistically, you could take your email, browser bookmarks, and many large files with you. The drive synchronises with your PC when connected but it will not leave any trace on any other PC. The supplied programs and the U3 software took up 110 MB, leaving 7.52 GB free. The file system uses FAT32, which makes it compatible with older PCs. You can remove U3 completely, but then the U3 programs won't work and you will have a dumb 8 GB storage device.

In Use:

There is no lanyard provided - indeed the drive has no hook, but it comes with a leather pouch with a hook for the lanyard or keychain. It is a snug fit, so the drive is not going to slide out.

Now, sliding the Cruzer Contour's cover off and on was not as smooth as I expected. The USB connector's dust protection flap is folded when packed, and has to hinge outwards as you slide it. After several uses, it still takes some effort to get the USB connector to slide out and it is equally tricky to close it. Perhaps this will settle down after regular use.

The 8 GB Cruzer Contour can hold up to:

* 19,200 photos
* 1920 tunes
* 2560 minutes of MP4 QCIF videos

In theory, that is just under 43 hours of movies! I suspect that you could watch more movies on a battery-powered laptop using a USB drive than by running them from its hard disk or by playing the DVD drive.

Compatibility:

You will need at least Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP or Windows Vista to use U3. For storage only, you can use Windows 2000 or later, Mac OSX+, or Linux. The PC must have a high speed USB 2.0 port, which will be found on most PCs bought in the past six years.

Recommendation:

You pay a bit more for the U3 and ReadyBoost functionality but it is worth it for the convenience of having customised programs and extra RAM in your pocket.