Cruzer
The SanDisk Cruzer is quite a flagship sailing the flash drive market and definitely for the company itself. Maybe SanDisk had a premonition when adapting the Cruzer moniker as that sailing proved to be steadfast and smooth. It’s no wonder since all the Cruzer models share qualities such as:
- high-speed performance
- SecureAccess software (included or for download):
~ Private vault
~ Password protection
~ 128-bit AES encryption
~ up to 2GB secure online backup (optional)
- U3 technology
- CruzerSync
(software synchronizing your outlook and personal files)
- data retention of up to 10 years
- LED indicator
- 2-5 year warranty
Now, let’s cruze through the various designs and their more specific traits.
Cruzer
Cruzer Micro
Cruzer Micro Skin
Cruzer Mini
Cruzer Contour
Cruzer Enterprise
Cruzer Professional
Cruzer Profile
SanDisk Cruzer:
Black & White Slide: SanDisk Cruzer Flash Drive (@ 
)
or (
)
Specs:
- Black plastic case, red USB interface
- retractable USB connector via white slider on top
- 4 – 32GB
- Orange LED light (Amber)
- Length x width x height: 58.4 x 20.3 x 10.1 mm
- Weight: 9.92g
Cruzer Micro:
Color Slide: Cruzer Micro Flash Drives (@ 
)
or (
)
Specs:
- Plastic case
- retractable USB connector via white slider on top
- Available in 4 colors: Blue, Red, Silver, White, Purple and Black.
- 512MB – 16GB
- Orange LED light (Amber)
- Rear keychain ring
- Length x width x height: 57.15 x 20.6 x 7.94 mm
- Weight: 5g
Cruzer Micro Skin:
Skin & Tones: SanDisk Cruzer Micro Skin (@ )
or ()
Specs:
- White metal body with skin case
- Clear case and cap, in different colors
- 256MB – 8GB
- Green LED light
- Rear keychain ring
- Length x width x height: 57.15 x 20.6 x 7.94 mm
- Weight: 5g
Cruzer Mini:
Skinny: SanDisk Cruzer Mini Flash Drive (@ )
or ()
Specs:
- Silver or black plastic case
- Clear caps in different colors (white, blue and green)
- 128MB – 4GB
- Software based encryption (CruzerLock)
- Green LED light
- Neck strap included
- Length x width x height: 2.8 x 0.8 x 0.3 inches
- Weight: 0.4 ounces
Extreme Cruzer Contour:
On the Slide: SanDisk Cruzer Contour (@ )
or ()
Specs:
- Glossy black metal case
- concealable USB connector through sliding silver frame
- 4 – 32GB
- Ultra fast speed: 25 MB/s read & 18 MB/s write
- Hardware-based encryption (AES standard)
- Blue LED light illuminating the Cruzer logo
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Length x width x height: 72.90 x 23.62 x 10.16mm
- Weight: 29g
Cruzer Enterprise:
To safely go where no one has gone before: Cruzer Enterprise (@ )
or ()
Specs:
- Black plastic case with rear keychain hole
- Cap with clip (attachable to clothes or bags)
- 1 – 8GB
- Ultra fast speed: 24 MB/s read & 20 MB/s write
- Mandatory access control (FIPS 140-2 level 2)
- Hardware-based encryption (AES 256)
- CMC server software (Central Management and Control)
- Rear blue LED light
- Length x width x height: 3 x 0.75 x 0.45 inches
- Weight: 0.12 lbs
Cruzer Professional:
Light Enterprise: SanDisk Cruzer Professional Flash Drive (@ )
or ()
Specs:
- Silver plastic case with rear keychain hole
- Cap with clip (attachable to clothes or bags)
- 1 – 8GB
- Ultra fast speed: 24 MB/s read & 20 MB/s write
- Hardware-based encryption (AES 256)
- Rear blue LED light
- Length x width x height: 3 x 0.75 x 0.45 inches
- Weight: 0.12 lbs
Cruzer Profile:
Pro-Filing with your Fingerprint: SanDisk Cruzer Profile (@ )
or ()
Specs:
- White plastic case on black fingerprint scanner
- Secure, biometric fingerprint access
- Fingerprint module contains cap
- 512MB – 1GB
- Software-based encryption (CruzerLock)
- PocketCache software (for back-up)
- No U3
- Dual LED (one for activity, one for access)
- Includes video instructions
- Length x width x height: 2.5 x 1.1 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 0.8 ounce
Although this is quite a lot already the Cruzer series doesn’t stop here. Later I will bring to you Cruzer memory sticks with stylish extra kicks.
As for the ones listed here: what probably speaks most for them is their strong performance and extreme durability. Believe it or not, I’ve actually come across several users on twitter who accidentally had their SanDisk Cruzer in the laundry. And in every single case the drive was still working fine afterwards. To me that was pretty mind-boggling. Especially the fact that of all brands, it’s the Cruzer ending up in the washing machine! Could it have something to do with its namesake and its association with water?
…on eBay right now:
[wordbay]sandisk +(cruzer,clip) -(gator,slide,fleur,ducati,pattern,slice,blade,for,edge,colors,tag,snap,freedom,no-tax,crossfire,ultra,backup,SDCZ*,charger,titanium,warranty,wrty,post,dqc)[/wordbay]
or
Click here for more SanDisk Cruzer flash drives
Find more SanDisk flash drives:
Cruzer II – SanDisk Ultra – Cruzer III
Find other flash drive brands:
Corsair – EDGE - HP - Imation – IronKey – LaCie – Kanguru
Kingston – Lexar - Memorex - Newsmy – OCZ
Patriot Flash Drives – PNY – PQI – Sony – Super Talent
Toshiba – Transcend – Verbatim – Other/Generic
March 16th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Great stuff! Thank you Dennis for all the enthusiasm to offer such helpful information here. This article will help me to choose and purchase SanDisk Cruzer flash drive.
April 12th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
What’s the difference between USB memory sticks and flash drives, or are they basically the same thing? I need to buy something to back up files on my laptop but aren’t sure what’s the best option to go for.
Any tips are appreciated.
Thanks,
Terry.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:32 am
There is no difference, Terry. ‘USB memory sticks’ is just another term for USB flash drives. The first is preferred by the British language while the latter is favored by Americans. You can see my ‘magic memory’ post for more name variations.
As for tips, well it all depends on what you want to go for – high capacity, fast transfer rate, sturdiness etc etc. Just take a look around at the different brands and models I have blogged about. Just so you know though, the Cruzer would already be a good bet.
May 7th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Had several of these in the past and found myself losing the caps. The ones with the usb connector that flicks out avoids the need for a cap.
June 5th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Had several of these in the past and found myself losing the caps. The ones with the usb connector that flicks out avoids the need for a cap.
June 16th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
SanDisk is a really good brand, i recommand it warmly !
June 28th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I would rather choose quality over quantity. There are USB’s which are less in price but the quality is questionable. SanDisk seems to be a quality end.
July 8th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
In the past I´ve made really good experiences with sticks like these. It´s really great stuff…
July 21st, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Sandisk brand is a high quality products. I have a USB before I compared it to other USB and Sandisk is really amazing.
.-= Poker Chairs´s last blog post ..Other new Poker Items =-.
July 24th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
SanDisk is an excellent make – in fact I would say possibly the best!
July 26th, 2010 at 5:55 am
Great stuff! Thank you Dennis for all the enthusiasm to offer such helpful information here. This article will help me to choose and purchase SanDisk Cruzer flash drive.
July 27th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Scan Disk has proven it’s good quality for so many years. Heard a lot of positive feedback about it and even proved myself. You need to chose the best usb that can store big file and would last for many years. Scan disk is a must have USB.
July 31st, 2010 at 5:30 am
In the past I´ve made really good experiences with sticks like these. It´s really great stuff…
August 2nd, 2010 at 10:12 am
I have a Sandisk flash drive right now and it works well and it is really cool. My flash drive is password protected… the coolest flash drive I ever had. This tool is really effective in saving all my reports since I am working as a virtual assistant from a business in the US.
.-= virtual assistant´s last blog post ..How to Utilize Virtual Assistants to Help Create- Market and Sell Your ‘4HWW’ Style Muse! =-.
August 9th, 2010 at 1:52 am
sandisk makes great projects i have their 32gb drive and use it for everything!
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August 9th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Cruzers have long life span. I have mine for more than 2 years, and still it’s working. I also have some Kingstons but I prefer Cruzer.
August 18th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
so cool. i would love to have one.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Memory sticks are effective nowadays. We can easily save heavy file size files.
.-= virtual office assistant´s last blog post ..fdsgsd =-.
August 26th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Whenever I ask my friends to what USB works great for them, most of them answered Scandisk.You can really trust on it because files will not be affected even if it’ll be stored for years.I believe it’s true. It’s quality is tested.:)
October 1st, 2010 at 3:49 am
[...] its products. Actually, SanDisk is the biggest supplier of U3 memory sticks there is, including its Cruzer flash drive [...]
October 5th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
In the past I´ve made really good experiences with sticks like these. It´s really great stuff…
October 9th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
I have the cruzer micro, how do i back up my files on to it? thx
October 14th, 2010 at 12:46 am
Cat,
go to Windows Explorer (just click on a file) and make sure that you have a folders view bar (under ‘view’ in the menu). Then locate the drive letter assigned to your sandisk cruzer and then drag and drop the files you want onto that letter.
October 20th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
cruizer micro is relly good flash because of its high speed!
November 9th, 2010 at 10:55 am
Can someone tell me the difference between “Cruzer Blade USB Flash drive” and “Ultra Backup USB Flash drive”?
November 9th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
RV,
pictures speaks louder than words. I have posts on both those flash drives, so check them out:
SanDisk Cruzer Blade
SanDisk Ultra Backup
November 11th, 2010 at 3:14 am
DT, do you know what the old design of the cruzer looks?
Because it is stated on the sandisk website that it is the new design.
Thanks!
November 13th, 2010 at 4:06 am
Jasper,
where exactly did you read that? AFAIK, the most recent design for the regular Cruzer is the one you can see at the top of this page – according to SanDisk’s website this design is from March 2009.
November 14th, 2010 at 2:47 am
I read it here: bit.ly/ah6AOK
November 15th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Thank you for useful information. I didn’t even know that there is a huge variety of Cruzer memory sticks.
November 16th, 2010 at 3:40 am
As you can see Jasper, that is the same design. Nothing has changed.
November 16th, 2010 at 11:39 am
As for me than I prefer corsar drive-flash. But Cruzer is also cool too.
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
What’s the difference between USB memory sticks and flash drives, or are they basically the same thing?
November 27th, 2010 at 3:56 am
Sweetberry,
they’re the same. The only difference is that the first term is more popular in British and the latter in American English.
November 27th, 2010 at 9:09 am
The Cruzer UBS Disk is really wounder full to have for usage. I think that this kind of USB is really good to know about and has so many things to get know about.
December 16th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Nice looking USB’s but I remember reading an article about SanDisk’s plan of introducing virus-proof USB’s I’m not sure if theses are what SanDisk is talking about.
December 25th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Is the maximum capacity of all flash drives 32 GB? What is so magical about 32 GB? Why can’t we have flash drives any larger, for example 1 TB? Is that too large a capacity to ask for?
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December 25th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Jttonea,
32GB is the highest capacity for the Cruzer flash drives. However, there’s an exception with the SanDisk Ultra Backup, which has 64GB. If you want a 1 TB flash drive you probably have to a) wait a few more years and b) have your wallet open up wide. The highest available capacity right now is 256GB and as you can see they are pretty pricey.
December 28th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
I think 32GB capacity is great. I have a flash drive that is only 4GB, which is not enough for my needs.
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January 11th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
I really love the way the “profile” looks but it is only available in a 1G. I need at least 8G, but it just looks so cool. Maybe I’ll just get 8 of those, haha.
February 4th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Cruzer Profile is really amazing, but as it’s only available in a 1G my choice is Cruzer Mini
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Me 4GB is enough. For the record there is enough variety of films. If you already buy as a 16GB
March 17th, 2011 at 10:56 am
Last week I bought SanDisk Cruzer Professional Flash Drive! Works fine!
March 27th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Which do you think is the best among this flash drives? I bought a 2GB Kingstone flash drive and it broke just after 1 year.
March 30th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Dracs, personally I like the Cruzer Contour. Its hard to say whats best though as everyone has different needs and taste. Btw, when you say “it broke” did you make sure to do troubleshooting first? You may find my following post useful to fix “broken” flash drives: USB Device Not Recognized.
May 3rd, 2011 at 7:28 am
I bought a Cruzer Professional for my Mac Pro but when i restart with the USB Device connected the computer hangs.
May 11th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Hanna, please check the link right above your comment. Hope it helps!
June 16th, 2011 at 10:21 am
Scandisk brand is one of the flash drive products that i would prefer. I rather choose for the quality than quality. Thanks for this update.
June 30th, 2011 at 7:02 am
I have the exact same drive in the 2GB size. It was originally formatted to FAT and I was getting exactly the same problem as you when I attempted to write files to it. Occasionally, I could write small files, but most writing caused the I/O error to occur. Thanks a lot.
Regards
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Yeah really cool. I think the 32 G is optional the best!
July 10th, 2011 at 3:54 am
Which do you think is the best among this flash drives?
July 12th, 2011 at 11:18 am
I really love the way the “profile” looks but it is only available in a 1G. I need at least 8G, but it just looks so cool. Maybe I’ll just get 8 of those, haha.
July 13th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Thanks wify. Indeed, changing formats such as from FAT to NTFS can be a good idea – especially when dealing with MACs.
July 17th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
xundausb,
personally I like the Contour. But that doesnt mean its necessarily the best.
July 20th, 2011 at 9:03 am
Ever since the coming of flash disk and other multi media storage devices. I had been using this brand as I found it much reliable than the rest of brands. Aside from that its design and color really matches my personality.
August 16th, 2011 at 12:30 am
These sticks sure have gotten way more advanced over the years, I must get me one soon, I could really use it
August 23rd, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Technology is upgrading so fast. That’s why Flash Drive is upgrading too.
I love to see all the photos on this blog because I could remember my very first Flash Disk.
September 5th, 2011 at 9:40 am
I’ve got one of this… yehey! so nice and user friendly
September 15th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
I have a Sandisk 8GG flash drive. Because it has NO CAP over the actual USB end I am concerned about dust and other particulate. Would you give me your opinion please?
September 17th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Sandisk has always the cutting edge flash memories
September 25th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
What exactly do you need an opinion on, Brien? Capless flash drives are always somewhat vulnerable. Unless the USB connector is retractable – which is most convenient. After all, even if a drive has a cap the cap can get lost.
October 16th, 2011 at 10:19 am
Wow this blog is really awesome for showing different type of pen drive. I like most cruzer.Involvement of young people can be handy in this regard. I am happy to find a good post here.
November 15th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
I do not like USB without cover. What happened to me is that it often breaks down – its a little vulnerable, honest. It once happened to him with car keys and went to hell the whole thing.
November 27th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Sandisk products are very high quality. Their memory devices are among the best.
January 12th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Sandisk got very nice flash memories and also i like the different USB styles shared above.
my cellphone also got the sandisk memory chip.
Thanks for the share.
January 20th, 2012 at 9:23 am
Is it possible to write protect a USB disk? I getting this error on my USB.
March 5th, 2012 at 5:53 pm
Hello i used this sandisk pendrive and i like its functioning and all… its fast and long lived..
May 1st, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Jasmin, some USB drives have write protection switches. Just switch it back to off.
May 28th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
I use flash drives for a long time, what would I do without my flash.
August 6th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Sandisk always my first choice since the beginning. It last very long as my backup drive.
August 24th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Sandisk – the oldest and the best. I have used it for a decade and I’m very satisfied.
August 1st, 2013 at 8:54 am
I’ve never tried this brand yet but I think this one sounds durable. Thanks.