SanDisk Cruzer Mini USB flash drive (4GB)
Manufacturer: SanDisk Part number: SDCZ2-4096-A10
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While the SanDisk Cruzer Mini isn't a speed demon, it is a good, basic thumbdrive that won't break the bank.
Read more
Where to buy
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 |  | In stock Get free shipping on orders over $25! | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/24/2012 |
CNET editors' review
SanDisk Cruzer Mini USB flash drive (4GB) price range: $14.79
- Reviewed by: Felisa Yang
- Edited by: Allen Fear
- Reviewed on: 10/03/2005
- Released on: 03/01/2004
The good: Small profile; inexpensive; includes data encryption software.
The bad: Slower than the competition at data transfers.
The bottom line: While the SanDisk Cruzer Mini isn't a speed demon, it is a good, basic thumbdrive that won't break the bank.
In a world of USB flash drives that do everything short of making dinner, there's something to be said for a simple thumbdrive with a small price tag. The SanDisk Cruzer Mini is that product: it's compact, dead simple to use, and requires no drivers (unless you're running Windows 98 SE). The Cruzer Mini comes in a whopping six capacities, so you can pick the one that fits your needs: 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and an enormous 4GB. Even at a suggested retail price of $380 for the 4GB model, the Cruzer Mini works out to a measly 9.5 cents per megabyte, making it a great choice for someone who needs a basic flash thumbdrive.
Unlike many of the recent USB drives that boast fingerprint scanners or fancy casings, the SanDisk Cruzer Mini is truly tiny. Its slim design means it won't block any of the neighboring USB ports when plugged in, and the silver-colored plastic casing makes for a featherweight drive, though on the flip side, it's not nearly as tough as its burly cousin, the SanDisk Cruzer Titanium. An LED on the end of the drive glows green when the drive is plugged in and pulses while transferring data, which can help you see if it's working properly. The drive ships with a neck strap and two extra plastic caps, in case you lose the original. The cap isn't secured to the drive in any way, so it's likely you'll appreciate the extras--unless you lose them, too.
Though the SanDisk Cruzer Mini requires no drivers for Macs or PCs (unless you're running Window 98 SE), it does come preloaded with software. The CruzerLock 2 data security software allows you to encrypt and decrypt files and folders. The first time you use it, the software will walk you through setting up a username and a password (and a backup security question). After you've encrypted a file or a folder on the drive, only someone with the correct username and password can see that the particular file or folder even exists on the drive. The encryption interface is a little clunky and takes some getting used to, though. The other two programs--CruzerSync and Cruzer PocketCache--are trial versions. CruzerSync allows you to synchronize your PC's files and Outlook data on the SanDisk Cruzer Mini, while Cruzer PocketCache is a one-click file-and-folder backup program. You can purchase full versions of either software on SanDisk's site.
Performance-wise, the SanDisk Cruzer Mini is not spectacular. In our informal tests of the 4GB version, it took about 6 minutes to write a 400MB folder of mixed file types (data files, photos, video, and MP3s) from our PC to the thumbdrive and about 30 seconds to read it back. Your mileage may vary depending on your system and the types of files you are transferring.
SanDisk covers the Cruzer Mini with a two-year limited warranty. Though its phone support is toll-free, the lines are open only Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. The company's site has FAQs, drivers, and software downloads, as well as a Web-based support form.
User reviews
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Beware if buying on Amazon
by anupriyab on December 30, 2006
Pros: Good Staorage device
Cons: need to be careful where you buying it from.
Summary: I believe this is a very good product from Sandisk. We had ordered 2 of them of 1GB each from AMAZON. Instead we received 2 of 4 GB. Faced a ...
Summary: I believe this is a very good product from Sandisk. We had ordered 2 of them of 1GB each from AMAZON. Instead we received 2 of 4 GB. Faced a lot of problems getting it working. Read a lot of problem/solutions similar to what i faced on the net. When i called up Sandisk Support, they checked the reistry key and told me it was a conterfeit product sold by a vendor on Amazon.
Refer this link and the other problems here to recognise a fake one..or call Sandisk Support :
http://encryptx.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/encryptx.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_sid=roPMk_mi&p_lva=&p_li=&p_faqid=94&p_created=1097249130&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfcm93X2NudD0yNzYmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPSZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3NlYXJjaF90eXBlPWFuc3dlcnMuc2VhcmNoX25sJnBfcGFnZT0x
PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU BUY PRODUCTS ON AMAZON. I wasted money on 2 of them!!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Would not buy another SanDisk Flash Drive
by MathesSK on January 2, 2009
Pros: Not one pro
Cons: Reading the packaging, going online & reading suport docuemtation, sending a yet to be responded to email has not allowed me to even back up my MS Money which is 2,000 kbs. When I view properties I have 3 divices in the flash drive & want only 1 b
Summary: It doesn't work. Does not have any explanations on the packaging, the online downloadable support information does not address the fact that when you hit properties you get: ATA ...
Summary: It doesn't work. Does not have any explanations on the packaging, the online downloadable support information does not address the fact that when you hit properties you get: ATA Device, USB Device and ATA Device for DVD. I will just keep using my Memorex 1 and 2 GB travel/flash/thumb/dump/junk/jump drive and not ever buy another 4 GB drive that will not even hold enough to back up MS Money at 2138kbs. I sent an email to support over a week ago and still nothing. So wasted a lot of money on a Flash Drive (let's stick with that name for now) that is of no use and no idea how to find info. Have searched the internet and SanDisk site and went back to store of purchase and they said, "It should work and there should not be any problem with it". Now all I have to do is find my receipt where I bought it over a month ago (I travel with my job so just did have time to start using it) and then take it back. Way too much trouble for something that was to assist me, not stress me or 32.0 KB. Even with that usage it should WORK. I just want to back up MS Money and personal stuff inportant to me when I travel. I do not even have 4 GB worth of stuff to back up so this is very troubling.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: SanDisk
- Part number: SDCZ2-4096-A10
- Description: The SanDisk Cruzer Mini is the fastest and easiest way to move your data. Cruzer Mini is Hi-speed USB 2.0 certified for fast data transfer (also compatible with USB 1.1). Store all your data, pictures, music and more on this pocket-sized device and then easily transfer files between your laptop and desktop.
General
- Product Type USB flash drive
- Storage Capacity 4 GB
- Width 2.6 in
- Depth 0.8 in
- Height 0.5 in
- Compatibility Mac ,
PC - Compatibility Non-specific
Memory
- Interface Type Hi-Speed USB
- Interface Specification Compliance USB 2.0
Expansion / Connectivity
- Compatible Slots None
- Interfaces 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Miscellaneous
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Compliant Standards Plug and Play
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Cruzer PocketCache (Trial),
CruzerSync (Trial),
CruzerLock - OS Required Apple MacOS X 10.1.2 or later ,
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition ,
Microsoft Windows XP ,
Apple MacOS 9.1 or later ,
Microsoft Windows 2000 Expansion / Port(s) Required
- Required slot None
Product series
-
SanDisk Cruzer Mini USB flash drive (128MB)
Manufacturer: SanDisk
Specs: Flash,
128 MB -
SanDisk Cruzer Mini USB flash drive (512MB)
Manufacturer: SanDisk
Specs: Flash,
512 MB -
SanDisk Cruzer Mini USB flash drive (1GB)
Manufacturer: SanDisk
Specs: Flash,
1 GB -
SanDisk Cruzer Mini USB flash drive (256MB)
Manufacturer: SanDisk
Specs: Flash,
256 MB -
SanDisk Cruzer Mini USB flash drive (4GB)
Manufacturer: SanDisk
Specs: 4 GB
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse SanDisk products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:SanDisk
- Address:
601 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035 - Phone: 1-866-726-3475
- Email: support@sandisk.com
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