Trendy techies will love the Iomega's chic looks and compact size but users with severe flash memory shortfalls should look elsewhere for at least a 256MB model.A word of caution for those who intend to use Iomega's latest storage trinket: Keep out of reach of children age 10 and below. The reason: It's so deceptively small it can be accidentally swallowed. The Iomega Micro Mini USB 2.0 is part of the company's upgraded line of capsule-sized USB flash drives that are high on style and user sensibility. Along with an elegant new swivel cap design, the Micro Mini USB 2.0 also incorporates Iomega's ActiveDisk technology, a smart feature that automatically detects and launches a program stored within the drive without having the user to install it in the computer first. For the casual crowd, this drive's 64MB of inert flash memory will be plenty for storing menial data such as e-mails, pictures and documents. But those who use their flash drives to ferry compressed videos and high-resolution pictures may wish to invest in a model with a bigger storage capacity.
Iomega's new Micro Mini series comes in 64MB (AU$79) and 128MB (AU$119) capacities. Encapsulated into a form measuring 44.4 x 19 x 6.3mm, the Micro Mini USB 2.0 weighs a scant 10g, lighter than even Sony's miniscule MicroVault Mini. The device's Lilliputian dimensions have their pros and cons, however. The good news is the unit will effortlessly fit into even the tightest of spandex pockets. The bad news, a higher likelihood of misplacing the drive, especially if you're not the tidy sort.
The unit's eye-catching swivel cap is gimmicky but functional. While the cover leaves certain parts of the USB connector exposed to the elements, users won't have to worry about losing the protective cover, as they would when using a detachable variant. The Micro Mini USB 2.0 ships with three different collared caps--orange, navy blue, and dark grey. The bundled hook makes it convenient for users to attach the device to keys and handles, and there's even a natty metal chain for you to hang the drive around your neck, pendant style.
So far, so fashionable but the Micro Mini USB 2.0 still misses out on a few basic amenities, most notably the lack of a USB extension cable or a docking station, such as the one bundled with the MicroVault Mini. For users with rear USB ports, this means more needless stretching when trying to connect the drive. The drive also lacks a write-protect switch to prevent accidental erasure of data.
As with its Zip drive storage format, Iomega's latest storage contraption supports the company's ActiveDisk technology. This cool feature allows any ActiveDisk application stored inside the USB drive to launch automatically upon connection with a computer system. Registered users can copy a variety of Active Disk-enabled titles off Iomega's Web site--utilities range from audio player plug-ins to email readers, to security/encryption tools. These downloaded titles are easily installed by simply storing them onto the Micro Mini USB 2.0.
Like most USB key drives, the Micro Mini USB 2.0 operates on a purely plug-and-play basis--the drive is compliant with current USB 1.1 standards but will also function when connected to Hi-Speed USB (or USB 2.0) ports. Current operating systems such as Windows XP and Mac OS X with their in-built USB support will benefit from this feature, but users still running on earlier operating systems like Windows 98 will have to install the appropriate drives before plugging in the drive.
The Micro Mini USB 2.0 performed commendably in our Labs tests but it isn't the fastest drive by any means; Sony's new MicroVaults fared slightly better when it came to transferring files directly from USB 2.0. Our hand-timed tests clocked the Iomega Micro Mini at 3 minutes 49 seconds (or 3.8Mbps) for a 110MB file transfer using USB 1.1, a few seconds slower than the USB 2.0 MicroVaults. Switching to USB 2.0 boosted transfer speeds by an additional 10 percent (4.6Mbps).
Iomega covers the Micro Mini USB 2.0 with a standard one-year warranty. The company's Web site has plenty of FAQs, drivers, and manuals, and registered users can also download from a large list of free software titles to use with the Micro Mini USB 2.0 drive.
Iomega Micro Mini 64MB USB 2.0 Drive
Company: Iomega
Price: AU$79 (64MB), AU$119 (128MB)
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: (02) 8223 9140
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