Home > Consumer Reviews > SanDisk 4GB Micro Cruzer - Retail Pack

I didn't need and haven't used the more sophisticated features of this drive, but for my money it is still the biz!.

All the important things I wanted are there -
- It's absolutely tiny
- It seems robust with a nice strong key-chain loop
- cheap as chips (<£20)
- lots of storage
- don't know if it is any faster than my old one or not, but I don't really care about speed anyway

Only a couple of comments apart from that:
1. It includes a software 'mini-desktop' which presumably activates the advanced features like U3 and skype, and seems to feature a bunch of demos, games etc. I don't like this as it just gets in the way and makes the desktop untidy.

2. The retractable USB connector clicks in and out nicely and the whole thing glows orange when connected - cool! The only reservation I have is that without the 'cap' that one normally gets, surely it could still get grit inside the connector if kept in your pocket etc? Again, not something that has been a problem for me but thought I'd mention it as a thought anyway.

xxx

I've had around 5 USB drives and this is the best so far. It's great for me as it doesn't need an annoying cap and it's cased in hard-wearing black plastic and not painted like my last few which have ended up being scratched by loose change and keys.

I was going to get the titanium version but realised I won't be leaving it under my car tyre before I drive off. Actually from experience the most vulnerable part of a USB drive is the connector. The titanium versions won't help if you knock the drive while inserted into a PC or laptop.

I actually bought two of these and one I use for documents and find U3 very useful. The second I got rid of U3 as I need it for just a basic drive. Removing U3 from the second drive was quite straight-forward.

The Cruzer is fast and easy to use, simple drag and drop stuff. There is the U3 programs on it that takes up about 0.2Gb but this is removable if you wish to get the full 4Gb. You can also put it back on via the Sandisk website if you so wish to in future however I don't find the menu makes the desktop untidy and it has some useful stuff on it, security, syncronisation for example. Overall for under £20 I can't really fault it.

Memory sticks are like TV recorders and dishwashers: Before you own one you think they're a naff extravagence, once you've got one though you can't live without them, which is which is why I bought this item. This was some months ago now and I notice the price has dropped already!

I like this stick because the USB plug extends in and out of the stick itself rather than having a protective lid which *always* gets lost or broken. Sticks which have a keyring attached to the lid should be banned by law - you will inevitably lose them. I was a bit worried that the in/out mechanism would break but I've been brutal with it and it has held strong.

This stick comes with some integral software, run-of-the-mill freeware like Skype, AVG anti-virus, completely pointless: If you want it then download it, there's no need to have it on a stick all the time. What's worse is it creates a virtual CD drive when you insert it with all this junk on it - what a waste of time! When I want drive letters used up for no reason I'll let the manufacturer know. Fortunately it's quite easy to remove this so you can revert to what you actually bought in the first place, a 4GB memory stick.

I work in IT so this stick is in and out of PCs all day long, desktops, laptops, you name it and loads of different brands too. Literally 90% of the time the illuminated switch is facing away from me so I never see it light up. Is that just me or should the switch be on the other side?!

I own a mac, and don't really use the software that came with it, so my review is for the pen drive alone.

I immediately thought that it might be a little fiddly, especially, since it is the smallest pen drive I have ever owned. The retractable USB socket also made me question if it would slide back in once the pressure is applied, which has been a raised concern in other reviews.

Overall I am impressed with the build quality, once fully extracted its incredibly hard to knock in, so if your like me and you have to reach over the back of your computer, stabbing away to find a USB connector, then you wont go far wrong.

It also had a nice cool orange light, which helps you know when its connected.

Also included is a little ring so you can put it on your keys, personally it looks a little flimsy , but the bar which it is connected to is really strong. Therefore, unless you snap your pen drive in half somehow I really doubt it would break. I don't personally keep mine on my key chain, I wouldn't risk it being knocked about all the time, but should you wish to, then I would probably change the key ring to a more sturdy one.

Due to the design of the pen drive there is also no cap to cover the connector. Some may argue this will cause dirt to enter the pen, but I've never had a problem. USB pens are not really the old delicate design they use to be, I've dropped this little things so much, yet it always works.

For the £14 including delivery I paid, its a bargain.

James.