- Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 49 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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13 out of 15 people found this review helpful
0.5 stars
"DON'T PUSH ME"
Pros: I am still looking
Cons: Pushing Uninvited Software on My Computer
Summary: Today I purchased the Cruzer 2.0 GB and was excited to try it out. Having had a number of different flash drives (even cruzers), I wanted to try this one.
As soon as it was inserted, it immediately began installing "U3" software onto my computer without so much as even asking if I wanted it. Well, I didn't but could not stop it. I then deleted all of the software from the Cruzer and tried again. The little demon was automatically reloaded with the original software and activated it on my computer again.
One thing I hate is software being put on my computer without my permission. I then began the war with trying to get it off of the cruzer and off of my computer but couldn't do it. I am quite experienced with computers and programming but with my experience I still was unable to "kill" the little demon and make it act like a normal flash drive - which is what I thought I was buying.
Tomorrow this little devil returns to Best Buy!
Why a rating of 1? Because there are tons of flash drives out there that work perfectly well without violating your computer. Therefore, this device is of no value to me.Updated
This is my second review of this product but the update is necessary. After getting quite angry at this little device, (see my review just below this one), I contacted SanDisk. They informed me that a software upgrade is available for download which lets you delete the U3 software from your system and the USB flash drive. Now I can permanently disable the software that activates immediately when the drive is inserted.
Now for the pros. I have noticed that the Cruzer downloads and uploads much much much faster than a 2GB LEXAR. I returned the Lexar today and am still holding the Cruzer. Before killing the U3 software I will now explore it. I believe that the reason it was impossible to delete prior to the software "fix" SanDisk released, is because the U3 resides in some type of ROM in the Cruzer.
I still say SanDisk should ask before installing and/or running programs on my computer. Even though I am now finding this device to be quicker that other flash drives I have used (although still way behind hard drives), I still did not like the auto-install experience and my rating stays down at 4.Updated
This is my second review of this product but the update is necessary. After getting quite angry at this little device, (see my review just below this one), I contacted SanDisk. They informed me that a software upgrade is available for download which lets you delete the U3 software from your system and the USB flash drive. Now I can permanently disable the software that activates immediately when the drive is inserted.
Now for the pros. I have noticed that the Cruzer downloads and uploads much much much faster than a 2GB LEXAR. I returned the Lexar today and am still holding the Cruzer. Before killing the U3 software I will now explore it. I believe that the reason it was impossible to delete prior to the software "fix" SanDisk released, is because the U3 resides in some type of ROM in the Cruzer.
I still say SanDisk should ask before installing and/or running programs on my computer. Even though I am now finding this device to be quicker that other flash drives I have used (although still way behind hard drives), I still did not like the auto-install experience and my rating stays down at 4.
- 1 reply to this review
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This is the philosophy of the U3 platform: no traces behind. They may use the hard disk for temporary fast storage but in the end *all* is removed.
I agree that the U3 launchpad should make that much clearer to the users when they plug it in, especially for the first time. I also agree that they should make it much easier to remove the U3 components and reformat to a single flat 2GB drive. For now if you do not want to carry applications and data around, probably you do not want U3 compatible UFD.
While I was seeking the U3 functionality on this drive I have other complaints that I'll post in a separate review.
Val
Where to buy
SanDisk Cruzer Micro (2GB, black):
$11.56 - $14.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$11.56 | Yes |
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HiTechVendors
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$14.99 | No |
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