Customer Reviews

CD Cyclone 128 MB Flash Key USB Pen Drivestorage Device

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This device is a no frills, high-value peripheral that you can literally plug in and use to transport files or extend your file system.

Unlike some other USB flash memory devices that come with password protection and additional utilities, this one is simply storage with no features beyond that. The value stems from the cost, which is among the least expensive of the devices I considered. One unique feature that I especially like is that it does not require drivers for Windows 98 - all other USB flash drives I considered required them. ALthough I haven't tested it, the manufacturer claims that it is compatible with all versions of Windows from 98 to XP, and also for the Mac OS.

I initially purchased mine to use for transporting files, but found that the best use (for me) was to use it as file system extension for my e-mail client. This works remarkably well for me because I use both an IBM ThinkPad and a Sony Viao laptop (both of which are running Windows 98 SE) and synchronizing e-mail between the two machines is a chore. I now have my e-mail client configured to store my e-mail on the flash drive, and plug the flash drive into whichever of the laptops I happen to be using at the time. This alone makes the flashdrive invaluable.

Note that on some systems with side-by-side USB ports that the flashdrive may prevent you from using the other port because of its width. My ThinkPad has a port in the rear and one on the right side, so that didn't pose problems, but the Sony laptop's USB ports are close together and when the flashdrive is plugged I couldn't squeeze the connector for my mouse into the adjacent port - I solved this by purchasing a mini-USB hub that is powered by the USB port, but this is something you need to know before purchasing this particular flashdrive.

Despite that minor problem I am pleased with the device and am especially happy that I now have a solution to the e-mail synchronization problem that has plagued me for years.

This is a very dependable device. I have over 1 year of use on it and still have 2 files in perfect condition from my first use. I have loaded this baby with everything - pictures, mp3's, word documents for school, work, spreadsheets, presentations and even Software patches for distribution on isolated network machines. It is incredibly dependable, has never lost any data needs no batteries and works with any machine that has a USB port using Plug and Play. It has taken moderate physical abuse without failure. It is super simple to install and use, exactly like another hard drive in operation, but has not internal moving parts to wear out. It is light as a feather about 1/2" thick and hangs around my neck with the convenient lanyard. I recommend the CD-Cyclone, the designers did a fine job.

I ended up with this device when my wife swapped me for a Lexar thumb drive. Not the worst trade because the Lexar was so tiny I couldn't pick it out from a pocket full of change and sticks of gum. The only problem with the Cyclone is that's it's a fraction too wide to fit into my crowded hub without removal of an adjacent plug (Cyclone provides an extension cable for this purpose). Also, if the keychain hole were on the cover instead of the unit, it would be simple to remove it and insert it.

These came along just as I was considering the purchase of two burners or Zip drives to negotiate between my machines at home and at work. Good thing I waited. Now I await the day when everything a student needs--his text books and written compositions, not to mention MP3's, will all be stored on one of these babies. On the other hand, imagine the headache of collecting 30 of these from a class of students and hearing countless tales of woe ("I lost my thumb drive"). Maybe the world of miniaturization is not all gravy.

I think this is a good product. It works and it is simple to use. I had read some reviews about systems that do not have enough space around their USB ports to accomodate the USB drive and another bulky device. I was pleasantly suprised to see that the CD cyclone comes with an extension cord so that will not be a problem.
Good job

I received the Cyclone USB about a week ago and used it a few times already. It is about the size of a disposable lighter, fits well in the hand; silver in color. It measures 3.25 inches in length with the cap on; just under 3 inches with the cap off.

I used it a few times on on a PC at work, using Windows 2000, and there were no problems. I also used it a few times on my Mac at home. Again no problem with copying or reading the files. There is a lock/unlock switch for the data which I did not try. And a red LED that comes on when there is activity.

I had no need to use the very long 42" USB extension that was provided in the package. I was able to plug in with no clearance problem. There was an installation CD included that applies only to those on Windows 98. The Users Manual provided was basically about the installing the CD for Windows 98 and FAQs.

As far as transporting the unit, there is a hole on the end that would be too small to use on a keychain. They provided a lanyard that you would wear around your neck, with a release at the end when you want to remove the unit. I had no intention of using it on a keychain so this was fine for me. The Linksys version of this had a clip that would clip on a shirt pocket, which is what I would have preferred, but it seemed to be about an inch longer.

There were no other special features that I would have cared for. It suits my uses of transporting information from one computer to another, for sneaker net movement. Anything else would have been too much complication.

The USB Pen device works perfect. So far it has worked on all systems that I have plugged it into. The only minor problem is the size of the Pen device, it's a bit too big for some USB connections.

I have had my 128 MB flashkey for about a month now and I am happy to say that it has worked great for me. At first I had trouble installing it on my Windows 98 machine, so I emailed their technical support. My problem was quickly solved and I was on my way to using my new toy. I feel this is a great product and I would recommend it to anyone that is into computers and on the go.

Bought it when it was like 60 bucks. It's pretty sturdy and it has lasted so far. It's light but it's a little fatter than the ones that are available now like the cruzer mini. One more thing is that the plastic is very thin, so if you hit it with a hammer it will definitely break, or someone stepping on it by accident.

When I opened the package I noticed that there was a notice that you needed to download a driver for windows 98. When I went to the site, the title was for a driver for windows 98se. I tried to download but was unsuccessful so I can't tell you if the driver works for windows 98 or 98se. Also note that the item comes with no instructions other than the notice about the driver.

The following is the last of my numerous emails to CD Cyclone customer support over a five week period in which I was unable to get my IBM Thinkpad to recognize the Flash Key:

"After five weeks of trying to resolve the hardware conflict with my CD Cyclone pen drive I have given up and returned this item. The customer support I received from your company has been horrible. Each of my emails for assistance has taken over a week to receive a response. It has now been two weeks since I have heard from anyone at your company and I can no longer wait to hear back from you again. I asked several times for a technician to call me to discuss the problem, but never heard from anyone. I cannot recommend this product or any other product from your company to anyone."

There are several other companies with similar products for the same or less money. I would try any of them before I purchased this product.