Sony Microvaults

Posted : 15 Aug 2002

Introducing the Sony Micro Vault, a new USB micro storage device that comes in 4 capacities : 16, 32, 64 and 128MB.

These have been out for a short while and I have recently found a distributor. They are really cool and a great alternative to zip drives and CD's. Just plug the micro vault into a spare USB port and up it comes. Transfers data at around 1.0 to 1.5MB/s. Supports Mac OS 9 and X, as well as Windows. And best of all it needs no drivers on Macs, just plug it in and it pops up on the desktop like a CD or zip cartridge. Extremely portable. Great for taking small files out to clients, being able to modify it on the spot and take the new version back again to your office - hard to do that with CD's ! Makes for easy transfer of data between PC's and Mac's (especially if you aren't running cross platform servers or expensive software). If nothing else, you can carry Acrobat 4 and 5 installers in both Mac & PC format to ensure that your clients have the latest version. Carry around Norton Utilities and Virex as diagnostic software. Store private files off your hard disk. Convenient for off site backup for small files (financial records perhaps). Great for moving around files that are too big to email and more convenient than writing a CD.

Sony Micro Vaults - USB Storage Device (note : pricing was valid for 30 Apr 2002)

See my current price list for the latest prices.
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16Mb USB $85 ex GST, $93.50 inc GST
32Mb USB $135 ex GST, $148.50 inc GST
64Mb USB $185 ex GST, $203.50 inc GST
128Mb USB $275 ex GST, $302.50 inc GST

As a comparison here are current Iomega Zip drive prices (all ex GST)
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IDE internal zip 100Mb drive $115
IDE internal zip 250Mb drive $165
Parallel port external 100Mb zip drive $215
Parallel port external 250Mb zip drive $295
USB 100Mb external zip drive (USB powered) $165
USB 250Mb external zip drive (USB powered) $295
USB 250Mb external zip drive (external AC adaptor) $295

Pricing is very competitive given their size and the fact that they are completely independent of a power supply and driver software.

As can be seen in the above picture they are conveniently small and very transportable.

Detailed Specifications
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Plugs directly into the computer's USB port
No adaptors, cables or power supply required
Available in 16MB, 32MB, 64MB and 128MB capacities
Plug 'n' Play USB interface requires no driver software*
Security Zone software lets you partition and password protect the data you want to keep private
Maximum transfer speed of 1.5MB per second**
Compatible with Windows® 2000, Windows® ME, Windows® XP, Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE and Macintosh® OS 9 and higher
* Windows® 98 requires included driver software
** Actual transfer rate may vary based on computer hardware and available system resources