Lexar Media 1 GB JumpDrive Secure USB Flash Drive

by Lexar

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00030A002
• Item model number: JDS1GB-431
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 3, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Store important presentations and other "for-your-eyes-only" data safely and easily with the Lexar JumpDrive Secure flash drive, which uses password-protected and encrypted security software to keep unauthorized users from accessing your files. The JumpDrive Secure includes two different zones: a "public zone," which is accessible to everyone, and a "private zone" that requires a password for access. Users can store less-sensitive materials, such as digital photos or favorite songs, in the public zone, while stockpiling proprietary PowerPoint files and spreadsheets in the private zone, from which no one can open, copy, or write files without entering the correct password. The drive also encrypts the information in the private zone for added security. The JumpDrive Secure stores up to 1 GB of information--more than a CD-R/RW disc--and lets you erase and re-write the data as often as you like. And thanks to the drive's rugged durability and compact size (it fits on a keychain), users can take their information virtually anywhere without hauling along a briefcase or other bulky carrier. The device transfers information via your computer's USB 2.0 port, though it's backwards compatible to USB 1.1. In addition, it requires a PC running Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, or XP operating systems or a Mac running OS 8.6 or above (including OS X).

Product Description

The JumpDrive Pro 2.0 stores and transfers data in a revolutionary, portable new format. This portable flash-memory card has a storage capacity of 1GB, for carrying all your essential data with you. The incredibly fast transfer speeds make file transfer faster and simpler. Carry and move your data with you more easily than ever! 2-year Limited Warranty

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't do it!, February 9, 2005

By 

zenbulie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lexar Media 1 GB JumpDrive Secure USB Flash Drive (Personal Computers)

I was really excited to get the JumpDrive because of the reviews I read. True, it is a lot more durable than many flash drives, but I've had so many problems that it's entirely not worth it. From day one I was unable to use it with most of the computers at school because the JumpDrive tries to install its "secure" software onto whatever computer you plug it into. Most public computers will not allow this due to all of the computer viruses going around. Unfortunately, if the software doesn't install you can't access the drive. Another problem that I've had while using it with friends' computers is that it will occasionally delete entire batches of files! I've always been careful to properly eject the device, but more than once it has deleted numerous files that I had recently saved onto it. I generally like Lexar products, but not this. My friends have cheaper flashdrives that do a much, MUCH better job.

36 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Bad Product, Horrible Support, March 1, 2005

By 

Michael Harrington (Friday Harbor, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lexar Media 1 GB JumpDrive Secure USB Flash Drive (Personal Computers)

This product sounds great, but in practice it is a bad idea. For you to get to your "secure" partition, you must run software from the jumpdrive when you install. This can be very problematic. As you might expect, it often doesn't work. When I run this on my machine I get a mysterious "Error [-10011]".

The only thing worse than Lexar's software is their support. I emailed them and they mailed me back their boiler plate "Please reformat your drive" response. I traded email with them several times and all of there responses were: reformat the drive (several times), download the latest software (several times), more specific instructions on formatting the drive (which I didn't need, I managed to format it and lose my data just fine the first time!). I would write back and tell them that their solution didn't solve my issue, and they would email me back with the same solution, as if some how, magically, it would just start working. Finally, they told me to call them.

I called, and am now on hold. 20+ minutes. Avoid this company like the plague. I'm going to throw mine in the trash and move on with my life.

I'll give you three guesses where their support is located...

UPDATE: I got through to customer support. They man was clueless. He sent me to another number which, of course, was just voice mail. I will now throw this product in the trash.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars You can do better for the $, April 24, 2005

By 

Thomas D. Coe (Williamsburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lexar Media 1 GB JumpDrive Secure USB Flash Drive (Personal Computers)

Pros
1. I got this one because it had a security feature, which is easy to use and set up.
2. It's small enough to carry easily in your pocket but big enough with enough 'heft' that it get lost easily. It's about the size of a remote car door opener.
Cons
1. I noticed quickly that its wider form meant that it would block out any USB port that is adjacent in a side by side array like on a laptop and most USB hubs, sort of like a large person who can't really fit into a single seat on an airplane and has to buy two tickets. The only way that it wouldn't be a factor is if I used the stacked array ports on my desk top or used an extension cord [which doesn't seem to fit with the idea of being portable, does it?]. If I used a hub, which I usually do, I'd stick it on the end so it'd only take up 2 slots, instead of three. That was an annoyance that kept me from replacing it - which brings me to the final point..
3. Unreliability - despite it's rugged appearance, it died after about a year. I'd had another cheaper Lexar thumb drive do the same before, one that I'd bought after this, but I thought it was a fluke. Then I read on a computer mag's site about the complaints of others regarding Lexar's lack of durability, so it seems to be a question to consider.
So overall - I'd steer clear, and if you already have one - just use it to transport files that you've backed up elsewhere. DON'T think of it as your backup...you'll regret that.