What is this?
Approximately the same length as your little finger, the miniature version of the Micro Vault comes with an array of software to keep your data synchronized and protected. Among the titles are the AutoZip, which compresses files by dragging into a special folder; AutoLogin for remembering website logins; and PC Lock, which transforms the Micro Vault into a PC Key.
Sony Ultra Mini Micro Vault 256MB ReviewJuly 14th, 2004
Pros: Fast; compact; interesting software utilities.
Cons: Fragile keychain attachment point; omission of USB extension cable; one-year warranty only.
Verdict: Aside from weak keychain attachment point, the Sony Ultra Mini Micro Vault is a decent choice for its price.
The latest addition to Sony's Micro Vault family is a Hi-Speed USB flash drive about the size of your little finger. While the pinkie-sized drive still has a way to go before dethroning the Iomega Micro Mini as the tiniest flash drive, the Ultra Mini Micro Vault will impress you with speed and some interesting utilities.
Package Content - Sony Ultra Mini Micro Vault 256MB
- Instructions
- Windows 98/SE, software CD
Second Smallest Editor's note: The keychain attachment point on the cap broke during our evaluation, so, it's now missing from the image.
Body Check Being put to test was the 256MB model (64MB and 128MB also available). If you are in need for larger capacity, look for Sony Micro Vault Elite 512MB. The Ultra Micro Vault is dressed in a shiny sliver plastic casing, and its drive capacity is stamped on one side. The package also provides some stickers for labeling. In our tolerance tests, the durable drive survived, but the keychain attachment point on the cap was damaged in our cramped pocket full of other keys. Since this is one slim flash drive, notebook users shouldn't worry about this flash drive blocking the way of other USB ports.
Beyond Data Storage
On the software side, the 256MB flash drive is pre-loaded with Password Lock, which creates an encrypted drive; AutoZip for compressing files into a special folder by drag and drop; AutoLogin, which remembers all your website login names and passwords; and PC Lock. If you need some education about how these utilities work, Sony has included some tutorials in Macromedia Flash on the CD. Just some reminders, all but the AutoZip require Windows 2000 and Windows XP, and AutoLogin is a supplement to Internet Explorer 5.5 or later. None of these are MacOS compatible, unsurprisingly.
On Fast Track The last generation Mini Micro Vault tops at 1MB/s write and 5.5MB/s read, but Sony Ultra Mini Micro Vault now rivals performance leaders in most areas. The throughput benchmarked by Sandra was 10.6MB/s read and 5.3MB/s write in the 64MB large file tests. As for 32KB 'stress' file tests, the transfer rates dropped to 9.2MB/s and 0.25MB/s. To put this into perspective, these numbers were more than double that of Lexar's JumpDrive Elite; and they surpassed the Iomega Micro Mini in read by 40-percent and write by 25-percent.
"Works, but cap likely to break." Drive works fine but the keychain attachment point on the cap has already broken off after 3 days. Same problem that happened in review at Everything USB. From Tim London, September 20, 2004
"Small, fast, and well worth the price." This is a nice drive with very fast write speeds. It has an attractive, durable casing and won't block off any adjacent USB ports. The LED is tiny but very bright and easy to see. Sony includes some interesting untilities in addition to the standard password locking and public/private partitioning program.
There is an handy AutoZIP program which creates a special folder on the drive in which all files are automatically compressed, as well as a PC Lock utility which disables the keyboard and mouse while the drive is removed. I suppose that is useful if you frequently leave your system unattended, although I just rely on the screensaver password. Finally, there is an autologin feature which automatically inputs your username and password for everything. If you hate remembering passwords then you might apprecitate the idea of just having a "key" to everything that you normally log into. I wouldn't use such a program myself but Sony still gets credit for thinking creatively.
The drive is a little pricy compared to other 256MB USB drives, but the features and performance are well worth the extra money. From D Sanchez, July 24, 2004
We're currently upgrading our user review system; so we won't be accepting new reviews for now. Ultra Mini Micro Vault 256MB Specs
Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP
Dimensions
2.16" x 0.67" x 0.43"
Capacity
256MB
Read performance Average substained rate
12MB/s
Write performance Average substained rate
7MB/s
Data protection method
Software password lock
Software
Password lock, PC lock, AutoZip, Auto login
Additional media compatibility
None
Accessories
--
Extra function(s)
--
Material of casing
--
Power source
Bus-powered
Warranty
One year
Extras Lost a USB cable? Get a replacement USB cable.
Running out of USB ports? Get an extra USB hub.
You may need a new USB card to achieve Hi-Speed USB speeds.
Confirm with our USB 2.0 FAQ if you have Hi-Speed USB on your PC.
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