Conclusion:
The
Crucial Gizmo! 1GB USB Flash Drive performed within 12% of the maximum transfer rates published by Crucial in the software benchmarks. In the real-world tests the results improved, with write speeds of 11MB/s and read speeds of 23MB/s. All of our tests demonstrated under certain conditions the transfer rates that Crucial advertises are definitely possible. The additional functionality of the encryption-based PortableVault software helps improve this product's rating. It is reassuring that personal or confidential data will remain safe on this drive, even if the Gizmo! is lost or stolen.
A quick search of
PriceGrabber reveals a few retailers currently selling the Crucial Gizmo! 1GB USB Flash Drive. Tigerdirect is offering the drive for $83 shipped, while Crucial's online store is selling the product direct for $85 shipped. The model reviewed here (1GB with security software) is available with different storage capacities ranging from 512MB to 2GB, see the
Crucial website for more details.
The Crucial Gizmo! 1GB USB Flash Drive boasts impressive data transfer speeds and useful security software, earning the Gizmo! 4 out of 5 stars and a rating of "Recommended".
Final Rating (4 out of 5 stars):
Pros:
» Faster file transfers with dual-channel memory controller
» Encryption based security software keeps your data safe
» 1GB of storage
» Knowledgeable and helpful company technical support
Cons:
» Approximately 3mm too thick to fit next to an adjacent USB device
» Security software requires executable permissions
» It's possible to lose the "cap"
Special thanks to
Crucial for providing the Gizmo! 1GB USB Flash Drive to BigBruin.com for review!
