Customer Reviews

LaCie WhizKey 32 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive 131055

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I eagerly awaited receipt of my WhizKey 32GB, but was greatly disappointed by the transfer speeds. Shipping it back for a refund, pronto!

The product is cleverly designed and I loved the capacity, but was so frustrated by its performance that I quickly hated using it.

I tested with a 551MB collection of files ranging from a few KB to 20MB on XP, Vista 32-bit, and Windows 7 64-bit. The best case scenario was on my Win7 machine where it took 90 sec (~6.1 MB/sec) to read from the device and a painstaking 9 MINUTES (~1 MB/sec) to write the same folder to the WhizKey! Those numbers are nowhere near the advertised "up to 30MB/sec" transfer speed--I certainly didn't expect USB 1.1 write speeds! All 3 tested computers are no more than 2 years old and definitely support USB 2.0. Furthermore, I compared it to my 8GB MicroSD Class 6 card with a USB adapter and it wrote 5x faster than the WhizKey.

The design of the WhizKey also presented additional problems with my laptop. It was recognized fine on 2 desktops, but wasn't immediately recognized on my Win7 laptop until I realized the key wasn't making good contact with my ThinkPad's USB port(s). Usually, I consider my ThinkPad USB ports as a little tight based on experience with other devices. However, the WhizKey's "open/exposed" connector design doesn't create a secure connection, at least not with my laptop.

I really liked the design of this USB drive at first, but it was too troublesome and disappointing to keep. At this price, I expected more than just a novelty USB "key".

I love the key form of this flash drive, but unfortunately it doesn't have the best performance. It is also incompatible with the new Xbox 360 update that allows the use of flash drives - it fails the data loss/performance test.

I love the functionality of this flash drive, plus it looks so cool. I put it on my key chain and have been using it all the time. It comes with a tiny plastic cover for the end which promptly fell off. It seems to work fine without the protective covering - there was no way that little tiny covering was going to stay on in my bag. You don't think it will fit into your USB drive because it's so slim, but it fits perfectly. It comes with a link to some software to back up your stuff online, i already have a backup system, so i won't use that, but i guess it's a nice feature if you need another backup system. Overall, I love the look and size of the flash drive, i show if off to everyone. I would definitely purchase again and probably get a bigger memory.

I bought the 8 Gb version a little over a year ago...

I wear it on a key chain that is snapped to my belt loop with about 6-7 keys of various types and 2 other USB flash drives...

It is always hanging outside my pants, gets banged around a lot...

I'm a computer tech servicing home users...I keep all my "tools and utilities" virus scanners, various programs etc on the LaCie...Plus some data, instructions etc...amounts to about 5 Gb of data on the key...

Compared to some other USB flash drives I use, I found the LaCie to be pretty quick at transferring data, easy to use...couple of folks in reviews have indicated they didn't think the LaCie was transferring data fast enough...I'm sure there are faster USB flash drives on the market...and if you want lightning like speeds, this key is not for you...BUT...it is quick, I have seen no performance issues...

I have plugged into probably 300 computers in the last year or so and it has always worked, provided the computer was able to recognize a flash drive being plugged into it...

It works on everything from Win 2000 thru Win 7 64 bit...no problems...

There is only one thing I don't like about this LaCie...

If I plug it into a PC where the keychain and all the other stuff I have on the keychain hang down...the weight pulls down on the LaCie a little too much...Over time I have noticed that the stainless steel case(I think it's stainless)...there is a splice in the stainless cover that is gradually and slowely pulling apart...eventually this will bend apart to the point the LaCie will stop working...but I figgure I've got at least a year or two more to go before that will happen...Unless of course if I do something stupid and accidently jerk my keychain someway to increase the stress on this stainless joint...

I do keep a backup of whats on the key and recommend anyone who purchases it does the same...

I am planning on buying the 16 Gb model shortly...

My previous usb drive had a plastic loop to connect to your keychain, but it broke. I purchased this because it's metal and won't break. So far I really like it. It's thinner than I expected, about the size of a key. I like it.

Bought this as a gift for a techie. They loved the basic design and concept. But the lack of a cover really damaged the key, and it stopped working. The flash memory worked fine, until the physical damage.

Great for on the go people that can't keep a plastic flash drive. Very durable, it travels all over with me.

This is the only jump drive that i've ever had that has not been lost. The key design is intelligent, it fits in with the rest of my keys on the key chain and is always there when I need it. I always forget I have it, but the fact that I've been able to keep it for more than a month without losing it says a lot about it's design. Also, it can take a physical beating. It just works..

Amazing flash stick) I like it on my keys belt! Everithing is good, except not so fast write speed! :)

These key-drives are the best! reliable, durable, and they are the perfect size. it fits right in with my keys on my keyring and I always have a thumbdrive on me without looking like a nerd! Great value. Yes the little plastic cover comes off and disappears to the abyss, but it's still durable enough without it that it's not a big deal