Customer Reviews

Centon 8 GB DataStick Sport Waterproof USB 2.0 Flash Drive DSW8GB-003

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

April 2nd, 2009:

Bought this from another seller, not Amazon.

For several reasons, I thought that this was the best of it's type (rubber-armored USB flash drives) I'd seen, and I've owned several from different makers.. and the physical package is the best I've had.

I was enthusiastic for almost 3 weeks but not much use, wrote to it maybe 6 times, including the initial migration from my last thumb drive... then it suddenly, no warning, locked up my system in the middle of a write. No amount of chkdsk, fdsk, reformatting or re-partitioning would bring it back. All attempts fail or hang, and each format attempt says that "track 0" cannot be written to at the END of a reformat, after it reaches "100%".

I've got an RMA for it, it MIGHT get replaced, though the policies are very difficult to follow... but will I ever really be able to trust another one of these? I've had at least 10 USB flash drives of various types, and this is the first to just die on me.

Very disappointed.

Please note that, as of this writing, the one review of the "32gb" version is actually (according to the review itself) about this, the 16gb version, and that reviewer apparently got one that never worked at all.

What good is a tough, waterproof package if the electronics inside just die?

June 3rd, 2009:

RMA'd the first one, I've been using the replacement for maybe 6 weeks now (with careful backups), I even ran it through the EXACT circumstances under which the first failed, no problems.

I still like the physical package better than any other that I've tried to wear. Unlike all the others, it's silicone rubber, the cap seals to a ridged lip on the drive rather than just the connector, and, so far the cap hasn't loosened. That last has been a very common failure mode for "rubber" caps.

A good replacement can't erase my first experience, but it is a plus. I've deleted and re-created this review in order to "up" the rating I gave it initially.

I have been using this for over a month, and it seems to have held up a lot better then the ones I have previously used. I had to supply my own little key ring loop to attach it to my main key ring; all it comes with is a small hole at the end to attach to a key ring. The soft cover coating is great. I have yet to try to dunk it is water, and I don't plan to. You really can't beat the price either for 8 GB, and something that will last a while.

That is one fast flash drive!, I mean it, it really transfers everything very fast. with its 8Gb it doesn`t run out of space and the rubber is of good quality so it withstands everything... Very nice purchase, only one complaint, it doesn`t come with the neck string thing, but the one you probably have from your old and damaged flash drive will work just fine :)

I hoped this would be a rugged flash drive, but it failed after a few months. I can't write more than 3 gigs now without getting CRC write errors--even after reformatting. I don't know about waterproof, but it's definitely not 4-months-of-time proof. Go with a better brand.

I purchased this drive about 3 months ago (Dec 07). It worked well up until about mid Feb 08, when it completely died. The properties says that it is 1.49TB in size (yes, tera), and that it needs to be formatted, but formatting attempts simply say that the drive is write protected. It will not show on WinExp, so it is worthless. One of my colleagues at work had the exact same thing happen to the same Centon product and another had a similar problem with a different Centon product. That is 0 for 3 that I know of. I would not recommend for purchase.

So I purchased this data stick about 6 months ago. About 1 month ago I lost it. I work in NYC and thought it fell out of my pocket walking through the city so I figured it was gone forever. Yesterday I was chatting with a neighbor about Data sticks and another neighbors little girl said, "OH YOU NEED ONE? MY MOM FOUND THIS IN OUR DRIVE WAY A FEW WEEKS AGO!" Now I believe it was definitely run over because the corner of the female end was slightly bent/torn. I was mostly just happy that a stranger hadn't picked it up. So even if I lost the data I know no one else found it. So for laughs I put it into my Lap top and it fit. I started to think, "HEY, THIS MIGHT ACTUALLY STILL WORK!" AND IT DID!! ! ! !

I could not believe it. I was even able to download data and up load data. So though I can not remember where I bought it I new I would be able to find the item on AMAZON so I could give my review. I hope this helps others.

I purchased this flash drive about 6 months ago to replace a drive that stopped working because of water damage. Since I purchased it have used it multiple times a week; some weeks I use it daily. From the first day I received it in the mail I have kept it on my keychain and the drive still acts and performs like new.

I have formatted this drive over thirty times and to every format imaginable and the drive's performance has been flawless.

I know I have abused this drive a lot more than the other two people who have written reviews. I'm not sure why they had problems, it may just be that they don't know how to fix a drive when it gets an error. Anyways, I assure you, this drive has withstood it all and has worked flawlessly on every occasion. You will not be disappointed.

I bought this product around christmas from another seller and the first thing I noticed was that if there are two usb ports next to each other than its difficult to get another usb device plugged due to the bulk of this memory stick. Despite this, it worked fine for about 6 months, although with slow transfer rates, and then one day decided it didnt want to work anymore. I was led astray by the cheap price, but this is one of the instances where you are going to want to pay for quality.

Since I've had USB memory sticks go through the washer and dryer before (accidentally left in pockets) I wanted one that would protect my important data, and this was the only one on the store shelves that looked reliable enough. The rubberized coating adds to the bulk, unfortunately, but it's a small inconvenience I'll put up with for a little more peace of mind. It can be added to a key ring (it comes with a small ring as well as a clip) if you don't mind something that large on your keys (2.5" long x 7/8" wide x 3/8" thick). The only negative is the removable cap which I'm afraid will get lost easily, but it fits snugly (for now, anyway). Works very well, otherwise, and I've had no trouble with it.

This waterproof USB drive is exactly what I expected. First of all,I've attached it to my key chain and I feel good that the drive is waterproof and can withstand bumps. Also, it's silicon case feel great...I actually love how it feels. My boyfriend, after taking a look at the drive, is going to get one for himself. He really liked it's sturdy design and style and it's 16GB capacity. It's durable and reliable... Definitely recommend it!