Peripheral and memory products maker Lexar Media Inc. has introduced two new USB-based products for Mac and PC users: the JumpDrive Secure and the USB 2.0 Multi-Card Reader.
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The JumpDrive Secure is a USB storage device that includes PC and Mac OS X-compatible encrypted password protected security software. It’s made with ABS plastic and co-molded rubber, and it comes in capacities up to 256MB.
The software allows you to designate a secure area in its memory. That way, you can share some but not all the data on the device. The software stays resident on the JumpDrive Secure itself, according to Lexar, which means that users don’t need to download it or install it from a CD to gain access to the copy-protected partition if you bring it to another computer. Lexar claims it’s the only USB flash storage device on the market to include security software for Mac users.
JumpDrive Secure will ship to retailers this month, and is available in 64MB, 128MB and 256MB capacities. Suggested retail pricing is US$59.99, $89.99 and $149.99, respectively.
Lexar’s USB 2.0 Multi-Card Reader is compatible with most major types of flash memory card — it’s a 7 in 1 device with support for CompactFlash Type I and Type II, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital, Smart Media and MultiMediaCard formats.
Although it’s billed as “Hi-Speed” because of its USB 2.0 support, USB 1.1 is standard on Macs, so most Mac users will see slower transfer rates, which the device supports. It’s bus-powered, requiring no external AC adapter, and it’s mass storage compliant, which means you don’t need to install any special drivers to get it to work. A built-in slot protector doubles as a reader stand when the unit is in use.
Lexar Media expects to release the USB 2.0 Multi-Card Reader in April for a suggested retail price of $39.99.