I needed to replace 3 8gb PNY USB 2.0 low profile drives (at least, they were considered low profile a few yrs back when I purchased them)
It came down to this Samsung or a similar spec'd SanDisk. After several hrs comparing the reviews, I decided on this due to reported head issues w/ the other. I've decided to write a detailed review of my experience to help anyone who's on the fence as I was.
TL;DR:
I like that it is tiny (as small as mouse/keyboard wireless USB adapters). I have had absolutely not issues w/ it heating up (it gets warm but nothing out of the ordinary). It is fast. I use it daily and haven't had it fail on me once. 4 of 5 stars b/c no cap and no real/usable lanyard hole. The hole that it has is roughly the size of a large sewing needle eye. The unit has held up to daily use for past 5 wks and shows no signs that back part is coming off.
More detailed explanation:
3-in-1: This device replaced 3 drives. I used 1 for file storage, another for an ad-hoc Linux OS when I needed to test/use old hardware, and another for a tiny linux distro w/ a few data/system recovery tools. B/c of its size, I was able to partition the drive into 2 64gb partitions (1 NTFS; 2 ext4).
I installed Lubuntu 16.04 32bit on the ext4 partition (w/ persistence) so that I could run it on pretty much on anything. I can use as an OS for secure session, or run recovery tools. The NFTS partition is used for files. I can access this partition from w/in my regular laptop (linux), any windows computer and, more importantly, from the USB's linux partition.
I use it everyday for file transfers and I've never had an issue w/ it locking up or not responding. It gets warm, as expected, but not hot. It's fast and performs as expected. I have not had the cap (back-end) detatch or start to wiggle and I've had it for 5 wks. Will be sure to update the review (and rating) if it breaks. It's worth noting that I remove it by gripping the sides, not from top/bottom. I've found it nearly impossible to remove any other way.
Finally, the lanyard and caps - the reasons why I deducted a star. This device does not come w/ a protective cap which is fine if you tote it around inside of a computer bag pocket or cable organizer, but I can't imagine the constant abuse it would get if it were hooked up to a keychain. Although not sure if it is intended for a keychain or any type of lanyard b/c the hole in this unit is SMALL! In fact, if you are looking for something you can carry on your keychain, look elsewhere, unless you want to use one of those tiny loops. Personally, I wouldn't trust data to something so fragile.
| Brand | SAMSUNG |
|---|---|
| Series | MUF-128BB/AM |
| Item model number | MUF-128BB/AM |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Item Weight | 0.704 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 0.77 x 0.61 x 0.34 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 0.77 x 0.61 x 0.34 inches |
| Manufacturer | Samsung Electronics |
| ASIN | B017DH3O5A |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | November 16, 2015 |
