SanDisk SDCZ2-512-A10 512 MB Cruzer Mini USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Retail Package)

by SanDisk

Product Details

Data Sheet [490kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches ; 3.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001FV37S
• Item model number: SDCZ2-512-A10
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (78 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 1, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

SanDisk's Cruzer Mini makes data transfer fast and simple. It's hi-speed USB 2.0-certified for data transfers at up to 480 Mbps (also compatible with USB 1.1, at a more modest 12 Mbps). Its 512 MB capacity lets you store important data, pictures, music, and other files on a device little bigger than a few sticks of gum, then readily transfer them to your laptop or desktop. Making an important presentation? Walk into the room with your laser pointer and a Cruzer Mini.

The Cruzer Mini offers higher storage capacity than floppy disks and other removable media, faster transfer rates, and better file security through CruzerLock. CruzerLock encrypts your individual files, keeping them safe and secure from prying eyes. Simply choose a personal password, select the file that you want to encrypt, and let CruzerLock do the rest. (CruzerLock is Windows-only; local administrator privileges required for Windows 2000 and XP.)

For most users, the Cruzer Mini is plug and play, with no drivers required. (A Windows 98SE driver is available online at sandisk.com.) Many USB flash drives obstruct the port adjacent to it, making it difficult or impossible to use two USB devices at once. The ultra-small, ultra-thin Cruzer Mini won't cramp your style--no matter how tight things may get.

Two additional color caps and a removable neckstrap let you personalize the Cruzer Mini to fit your style.

What's in the Box
Cruzer Mini, 2 extra color caps, a neckstrap, a user's manual, and warranty information.

Product Description

The Sandisk Cruzer Mini is a truly portable, truly useful pocket size data storage device that happens to look cool as well. Its stylish, diminutive design can be slipped into a pocket or purse for easy transport or data files, image files, video and audio, between home or office and virtually anywhere else.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

133 of 143 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So far, so good., November 11, 2004

By 

Frank Forrest "Quasar" (Northern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SanDisk SDCZ2-512-A10 512 MB Cruzer Mini USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Retail Package) (Personal Computers)

Lately, I've been bringing my notebook computer to a local bookstore/cafe to do some writing. It's a cozy place but pretty noisy. The selection of music over the speakers wasn't the greatest either. I decided that I would make my own mix of MP3 music files and bring them along so I could listen to them through my headphones. Since I'm working on my notebook computer, I didn't want to run the files off of my hard drive, which would run down my battery. My solution was to load all the MP3 files on a Flash Drive - no moving parts, a much smaller drain on battery power. I purchased the SD 512 Flash drive. The following is my experience with this device:

The unit itself is a pretty small device. (See product details above for size, etc) and has a total capacity of 512mb. The actual usable memory is closer to 487mb or so. This is due to the software/operating/security program that is preloaded onto the drive. I run Windows XP on my notebook, and the SanDisk booted up immediately without any problems. You can "lock out" anyone from viewing your files by running the security program. Be careful not to quick click through the prompts as you may miss entering the password. You can also download the latest encrption software for free. According to Sandisk, the new lock/encrption program is fourteen times more secure and is a much better program.

Performance was smooth as silk. There were no drivers to install and the plug and play feature worked the very first time. I "mix" my MP3's on my desktop computer which runs Windows ME and transfer them on the Sandisk to my notebook which runs Windows XP. There were no problems in switching back and forth between systems. I've heard that you need to download drivers if you run Windows 98. I do not know how well this drive works under '98' but it seems to work great with ME or XP. I loaded and ran my MP3 files from the Sandisk and was able to play back my music files without a hitch. Since this is a flash drive, you can load practically any type of file you want on it, be it photo files, documents etc. I decided this particular drive would be used just for music files. There is a green light at the end of the drive which flashes rapidly whenever the drive is being used. Which brings me to the next point...

If you have not used one of these devices before, it is extrememly important to *disconnect the device properly* before you physically remove it. You must first click on the "remove device" icon. The operating system will disconnect and will then tell you that removal is safe. If you just *unplug the device* without proper shut down procedures, sooner or later, you will most likely either fry your unit or corrupt the data. This is not a defect with the unit, you must remove all flash devices in this manner. Those of you who are familiar with the Sony Playstation know that if you pull out the memory card before it is finished saving, you will end up with corrupt data or a damaged card. The same holds true for flash disk devices.

There have been reliability issues associated with this unit, but I am either a very lucky guy or the reports of failure are due to user error, i.e. unpluging the unit before shutting down properly. Perhaps their was a bad batch of them. I don't know. What I do know is that the unit has performed great, (so far), and I am very pleased with the performance and price. There are promotional discounts given my some vendors, so if you can snag one with a rebate, you'll be paying only a few dollars more for this 512mb over a 256mb.

As far as the music that's loaded onto my Sandisk Cruzer, I've got a good selection of trance, new age, classical and eurodance.
Just in case you wanted to know. <grin>

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly convenient, portable, economical USB storage, April 6, 2005

By 

Eddie Konczal - See all my reviews

This review is from: SanDisk SDCZ2-512-A10 512 MB Cruzer Mini USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Retail Package) (Personal Computers)

The SanDisk Cruzer Mini USB Flash Drive is a highly convenient, portable, economical way to store and transport your files. It's a sleek, lightweight storage device that plugs into any computer's USB port, and works with Windows systems going back to Windows 98. I haven't tested it with MacOS, but SanDisk's website says it's supported on Mac OS 9.1 and OS X 10.1.2 and later. With Windows XP, it's plug 'n' play; on Windows 98 computers, you have to download and install a driver from Sandisk's web site (look for the SDCZ2- Cruzer Mini (128MB - 1GB) driver).

This device comes with some nice extras: three different colored covers for the USB interface; a cord so you can wear it around your neck; and stickers to label the drive. The Cruzer features an activity light that glows bright green when in use; it flashes when files are being accessed. The slim design allows you to reach USB ports that are surrounded with other ports already in use. The USB drive comes with SanDisk's CruzerLock encryption software, which you can use to password-protect your files. There are also trial versions of CruzerSync, for synchronizing Outlook data between your PC and the Cruzer, and CruzerPocketCache, a utility to backup data from your hard drive.

I've used the device on Windows 98 and XP systems for over a month with mostly good results. Here are a few observations:

-In Windows XP, always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" wizard (the little green arrow in the lower right corner of the Taskbar) to stop the Cruzer before removing it. Sometimes, Windows may tell you that you cannot stop the USB drive. In these instances, try closing any programs accessing the drive; if all else fails, log out from Windows and log back in to successfully stop the device.

-On Windows 98, there is no "Safely Remove Hardware" wizard. Before unplugging the Cruzer, make sure no files on it are open and that the activity light is not blinking.

-Occasionally, the Cruzer's drive letter does not display in a "File - Open" dialog box. Don't worry; just exit the dialog box and try again.

-The flip side of the Cruzer's portability is that unless you wear it on the strap, you might lose it. Also, there's no "write protect" tab like floppy disks used to have. Keep in mind this is portable storage, not permanent storage, so always back up your files! A good idea would be to periodically burn the Cruzer's contents to a CD-R. Even if you fill up this drive, you'll still have room to spare on a 700MB CD-R.

I do recommend the SanDisk Mini Cruzer, keeping the above caveats in mind. The Cruzer's combination of performance, portability, and features make it a great bargain at this price.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread !, December 19, 2004

By 

AZ Tech Geek - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: SanDisk SDCZ2-512-A10 512 MB Cruzer Mini USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Retail Package) (Personal Computers)

I own several of these Cruzer mini's (2 of the 256 and 1 of the 512 size). They work great and are really fast (even with my "old" 1.1 USB ports). My Win XP computers (one at home, one at work) immediately recognized & installed the Cruzer Mini as soon as I plugged it in the first time.

I use them to back-up my important info on my computers. I also use one to transfer data from my work computer to my home computer every week.

Each is the size of a pack of gum and weighs only 1/4 ounce. I just carry one in my pocket.

No problem with the caps staying on.

Just be sure to always click the "remove hardware" icon in the service tray in the bottom right-hand corner of your computer screen before you unplug the Mini. This will keep it from being corrupted.