Jun 30 2003
SanDisk Cruzer
From its digital media parenthood, the Cruzer inherits both the driverless storage capability of a USB flash drive as well as the flexibility of a card reader.
As a USB flash drive, the Cruzer is slightly wider than most, but comes in a durable plastic enclosure with a carrying case. What it has over your standard USB flash drive is its ability to upgrade its capacity. This is done by exchanging the onboard SD card for a larger one.
The ability to remove the memory disk also makes this device a great companion for digital cameras or PDAs that accept Secure Digital and MultiMedia cards.
You’ll find the Cruzer much more stylish and portable than your average card reader.
The Cruzer accepts these flash memory cards when switched to Load. When switched to “Lock” or travel mode the card is hidden away and protected inside the Cruzer. When switched to Connect a USB connector protrudes from the other end, ready to be plugged in to your Mac. The Cruzer also comes with a USB extension cable to accommodate awkward USB ports.
There are less expensive solutions out there, but not anything that you’d want to carry around with you, especially to meetings with clients. That said, given the Cruzer’s dual functionality, it is well worth the price.
Disadvantages? Like I said, the unit is a little larger than your standard USB drive.
The Control Switch is a simple sliding mechanism that could break with abuse, and I doubt the unit is water resistant, but unless you are very rough on it, I don’t see it breaking.
Also, the included file security software is Windows-only, but, as the Cruzer functions as a hard drive there are numerous file security solutions you can use. You can also use the lock feature on the SD card itself to make the disk read-only.
The Verdict
The Cruzer is definitely the USB drive solution for owners of SD cards. It is also a very good choice for people in need of a card reader that doesn’t look cheap. If you’re looking for a good portable drive that you can expand in the future make your boss get you one for your next business trip.
64 MB Cruzer MSRP: $64.99
Buy it for $49.88 at Amazon
128 MB Cruzer MSRP $89.99
Buy it for $74.99 at Amazon
256 MB Cruzer MSRP $159.00
Buy it for $89.99 at Amazon