Average Customer Review:
( 45 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 found the following review helpful:
Fast and loads of spaceOct 16, 2007
By D. Dell
"Dell"
I will not list the specifications in this review because you can read it from other reviewers or the SanDisk site. Instead I would like to address some of the comments listed in other reviews.
Comparing this drive to my other brand, this drive is a little larger. However, anytime you have something sticking out of the USB on your laptop it can get in the way or accidentally hit, no matter what the size.
True there is not way to put a lanyard on the drive, but it does have a case with a hook for a lanyard. This is a much better idea for transporting because the drive is protected in the case.
The transfer speed of this drive is many times faster than my other drive. I transferred 7gb of files in less than 8 minutes and without any corrupt files.
The mechanism for opening and closing the drive is a little odd, but I have had no problems. It just takes a little getting use to. Plus, you do not have to worry about misplacing a cap.
The issues a few reviewers had are very minor to me. I personally really like this drive because it works great, it is fast and has a lot of space.
33 of 38 found the following review helpful:
Works with Windows VistaJul 11, 2007
By A. Nallawalla
"Ash"
Available in 4 GB and 8 GB capacities, this U3 Smart device makes the concept of portable applications a reality. Yes, you can carry your own configured programs in your pocket and run them on someone else's computer. Windows Vista users know about ReadyBoost, which enables the PC to use the Flash drive as additional RAM. For laptop owners, this is perhaps the cheapest way to get a RAM upgrade.
Available in 4 GB and 8 GB capacities, the SanDisk Cruzer Contour makes the concept of portable applications a reality. Yes, you can carry your own configured programs in your pocket and run them on someone else's computer.
But why would anyone need an 8 GB drive? The answer is partly U3 and partly our desire to make our data portable. It is certified for Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Mac OS X (The device comes with a "Works with Windows Vista" label, not a "Certified for Windows Vista" one.)
I have already lost one cap from my SanDisk Cruzer Micro drive, but this won't be an issue with the Cruzer Contour, as it has a sliding cover that hides the USB connector when not in use. It features ReadyBoost and includes the following U3 compatible programs:
* CruzerSync - Desktop synchronisation tool
* SignupShield - Password manager
* Skype - PC to PC video and audio calls
* Avast - Antivirus
* HP Photosmart - Digital photo organiser/editor
* Sudoku/Mahjong - Games
More realistically, you could take your email, browser bookmarks, and many large files with you. The drive synchronises with your PC when connected but it will not leave any trace on any other PC. The supplied programs and the U3 software took up 110 MB, leaving 7.52 GB free. The file system uses FAT32, which makes it compatible with older PCs. You can remove U3 completely, but then the U3 programs won't work and you will have a dumb 8 GB storage device.
In Use:
There is no lanyard provided - indeed the drive has no hook, but it comes with a leather pouch with a hook for the lanyard or keychain. It is a snug fit, so the drive is not going to slide out.
Now, sliding the Cruzer Contour's cover off and on was not as smooth as I expected. The USB connector's dust protection flap is folded when packed, and has to hinge outwards as you slide it. After several uses, it still takes some effort to get the USB connector to slide out and it is equally tricky to close it. Perhaps this will settle down after regular use.
In theory, that is just under 43 hours of movies! I suspect that you could watch more movies on a battery-powered laptop using a USB drive than by running them from its hard disk or by playing the DVD drive.
Compatibility:
You will need at least Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP or Windows Vista to use U3. For storage only, you can use Windows 2000 or later, Mac OSX+, or Linux. The PC must have a high speed USB 2.0 port, which will be found on most PCs bought in the past six years.
Recommendation:
You pay a bit more for the U3 and ReadyBoost functionality but it is worth it for the convenience of having customised programs and extra RAM in your pocket.
22 of 26 found the following review helpful:
Plastic!Jun 12, 2007
By Joe Chicago
"A Regular Guy"
Got the SanDisk Titanium 2 & 4GB Cruzer. Needed more storage and went with the 8GB Contour. Was waiting for it since December of 06 and not happy about SanDisk changing the Feb or March release date by two months. Thought they had their reasons and I would wait for their quality product. Simply, this device isn't meant for heavy use. The black part in the picture is thin plastic. As you push on it to open and close the drive, you can feel a little give in the plastic. It comes with a nice protective case but, for the price, I was expecting something like their Titanium Cruzers. Something I can toss in my pocket with change or keys and not worry about. As for my being "happy" with it, I'm looking to see who has an 8GB or larger which doesn't feel as brittle.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Completely SatisfiedOct 04, 2007
By griff3508
"griff3508"
I spent the additional money for the Contour to take advantage of the increased transfer rates. I am completely happy with the performance, the hardware, and the connection mechanism (which others have complained about).
I installed Linux (Fedora 8) on the drive and use it as my portable operating system, and backup for my office machine. I have had the drive in service for five months, used every day with no problems. On one occasion I timed the transfer of a just over one GB, it took 70 seconds.
The drive is by far my largest in physical size, but that is a very small factor in light of the high performance. For machines that I have difficulty reaching the USB ports I use an extension (wire) with no problems. The leather storage pouch is a nice bonus, since I have dropped mine a few time on the concrete (durable).
UPDATE: Jan 2010; I have now had this drive in use for over two and a half years. I use it every day to keep office and home machines in synch (and as a live backup). I still have an operating system on it (Fedora 11). I can't imagine how many GB have been transferred on and off of this drive - seems indestructible.
12 of 14 found the following review helpful:
Good innards, bad shellJun 15, 2007
By R. Brazeau A fairly good usb drive in terms of read / write speeds, but I just cant get past the outer shell of this one.
It's meant to look pretty and have sort of a switchblade feel - you retract the black portion about 1/2" then return it to the starting position to get the connector out. When done you push it forward 1/2" past the starting position then back. During the process there is a little flap that covers the connector when it is recessed.
The motion isn't very smooth, and it feels like there are multiple points of failure on this drive. Also because you have to move the slider in the correct order if it jammed in the wrong spot it could be a real pain to fix.
It works well as a USB drive, but if there is another one for the same price I'd suggest it over this one.
based on 45 reviews
( 45 customer reviews )
