I have been the proud owner of my 256 MB Cruzer Mini now for just about 2 years. The technology isn't new, but many folks are still getting used to the idea of storing information in places other than floppies and/or burning to CDs.
Here's the skinny on the Sandisk Cruzer Mini -
WHAT IS IT?
A little USB flash drive that holds 256 MB of data. It can hang from around your neck on a lanyard, or fit easily in your pocket. It is tiny, smaller than a pack of gum. Go figure, the 256 MB Cruzer Mini can hold the equivalent of more than 177 floppy disks worth of data! All you need is a computer with a USB port (pretty much every computer these days has at least one free USB port), and you are good to go. The Mini is very light, you won't even know it is hanging around your neck, so make sure that it's there, or it could be easy to lose.
HOW IT WORKS
You basically just need to plug it in to the USB port, and that's it! With the exception of Windows 98, every other platform will recognize the Cruzer Mini, and you will not need to load a driver or do anything special. The Cruzer Mini will show up as a drive, and you can save pretty much anything you like to it - photos, data, music, presentations...
When the Mini is plugged into the computer, it's end glows green. When transferring data, it flashes.
PERFORMANCE AND SPEED
You get what you pay for. Although the speed of transfer may vary depending on your computer and the type/size of files involved, the Cruzer Mini is not the fastest USB flash drive out there. That being said, it is not frustratingly slow either. The Mini is solid, reliable, and steady. This is a USB flash drive that will not let you down. If you are looking for speed, you may want to try another product.
SUPPORT, SOFTWARE, ACCESSORIES
Although I have not had any technical issues with this device, the Sandisk website appears to offer lots of support, a comprehensive FAQ section, and helplines (land and e-mail/virtual). Drivers, software, and downloads are also available from the website.
The Cruzer Mini comes complete with lanyard and 2 end-caps to cover the USB plug. Be sure the covers are snapped on tight, or they disappear as they are so small and lightweight. For that matter, the whole USB drive is small and lightweight. It is not at all flimsy, but could be easily lost or misplaced due to it's size (I am speaking from experience here!).
BOTTOM LINE
Cheap. Solid. Performance. Reliable. Pick one up, and you won't be sorry. Spend your spare time skipping your old floppies into the nearest body of water like flat skipping stones...