Product/Link: Lexar JumpDrive Secure, Portable USB Storage Synopsis: Store, transfer and carry your data with you wherever you go! Small enough to hang out on your keychain. Included Safe Guard software, password protects your data if JumpDrive is lost. Requirements: Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP --- Mac OS X, Mac OS 8.6 or above. One available USB port. Price: Price varies with amount of storage. The 256MB Lexar reviewed here currently runs about $60.00. Rating: Small, rugged, fast transfer, secure. Comment: The Lexar flash memory USB device is terrific for anyone who needs to carry files back and forth between two computers. Very mobile. It fits on a keychain but you can just carry it in your pocket or purse. For those of you not familiar with these devices, they plug into any USB port on your computer. You access them by clicking on "My Computer", it will be listed as a "Removable Disk" and be given a letter such as "G" or "H." You treat it like any other drive on your system. The JumpDrive is surprising rugged. MaximumPC magazine recently ran a torture test on a selection of USB drives. They were dropped, frozen, run through a washing machine, and run over by a Honda CRV. Very rugged. Not every USB key survived every test but most keys survived most tests. If gravity is your worst enemy than you needn't worry. Your transfer speed will vary depending on whether you have a USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 connection. I'm running USB 1.1 and I was able to transfer 50MB of data per minute. In other words you could fill the flash memory key within approximately five minutes. Lastly, this particular key comes with Safe Guard software. Very Secure. This enables you to password protect all or any part of the storage area. Should your files fall into the wrong hands they will not be able to open the files without your password. Very cool. Check Out Last Month's Newsletter Copyright © 1996- thepocket.com