Once you figure out the proper configuration of the cords and the drive for your computer, just plug in the Kanguru Fire Flash, let the OS recognize the drive, and it's ready for use. The Fire Flash worked fine on six computers, old and new. Based on the 400Mbps FireWire specification, Fire Flash ignores the 800Mbps FireWire spec that some newer Apple computers and workstations use, and it's slower than the 480Mbps USB 2.0 spec. The drive comes with FAT formatting and works just as well with FAT32 and Mac's OS Standard and Extended, but the latter two formats can't be read by PCs. In our informal data-transfer speed tests, the Fire Flash moved a variety of data at about 32.1Mbps, putting it midway between IBM's USB Memory Key and Kanguru's USB-based Mini Drive. Despite its plastic casing, the FireFlash gets hot with use. And without a fingerprint reader, encryption, or even a rudimentary write-protect switch, the security-minded will want to pass on it.
Kanguru covers the Fire Flash with a standard one-year warranty. Free toll-based phone support is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on weekdays only. The company has a special section of its support Web site for Fire Flash that includes downloads, tips, and a general FAQ, but it lacks specific information about the product.
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