General Specs: 128MB Portable USB Storage

Manufacturer: Lexar Media

System Requirements:
Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP
Mac OS X, Mac OS 8.6 or higher
One available USB port
Windows 98 users: Internet connection

This is a gadget, but a most interesting one at that. The JumpDrive is a peripheral like the Zip Drive, but it does NOT require a Zip Drive plus disks. The "thing" is about the size of your thumb and looks like a small bottle with the business end a USB connection. It requires no wires, and plugs in to any USB port. I have mine connected to the extra USB port on my keyboard. It sits there quietly ready and waiting. On your window is the Lexar icon. Drag and drop data from anywhere onto the icon and it stores the information right on the JumpDrive. (Someone should have invented this sooner.)

Like the Zip Drive, it comes in several sizes: 64 mb, 128 mb (the one I have) and 250 mb. I can carry my JumpDrive on a key chain (there is a loop for that!). I like to use it to move items from one computer to another computer in another location. The receiving computer doesn't have to have a drive in which to insert the JumpDrive--all it needs is the USB port.

There was a special promotion rebate through the month of May which brought my price of $40 down to $25. OfficeMax has them and offered them on the net.

Lest you be concerned that your data can be written over by someone experimenting with your computer, there is a little switch on one side which prohibits data from being entered unbeknownst to you. If, of course, you're carrying your little drive on your key chain or wrist it would be hard for someone else to get into it.

I can't tell yet whether the JumpDrive will last, and last, and last. But time will tell. In the meantime, take a look at it.