14 DAY TRIAL // Lexar has made the headlines once again thanks to its latest two backup flash drives, the Echo SE and Echo ZE. While most USB flash drives are used for external storage and an easy file transfer between computers, these two models are, instead, intended as backup solutions for laptop systems, whether they are notebooks or netbooks. The devices come pre-loaded with Dmailer-developed backup software and are both built with AES 128-bit encryption.
"Unlike traditional backup solutions which require external hard drives and cables, the Echo line is designed for users on the go," Aaron Lee, senior product marketing manager, Lexar Media, said. "Whether it's backing up college papers in a lecture hall or sales presentations on the road, the Echo SE and ZE drives provide secure, high-capacity options to meet the needs of today's netbook and notebook user."
The Echo ZE drive has a convenient, reliable, flash-based design and is an always ready, plug-and-play backup solution. It is compatible with both PC and Mac systems and uses the built-in Lexar Echo Backup software.
The backup function activates as soon as the drive is plugged into the USB port, at which point the utility securely and automatically encrypts files. The tool can also restore previously saved versions of a file, thus preventing the accidental deletion or replacement. The drive comes in storage capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB, but the official product page does not indicate the read and write speeds.
The Echo SE backup flash drive will also perform well, as it is an easily accessible and portable backup solution. It is built with the same encryption and is pre-loaded with the same Lexar Echo Backup software as the Echo ZE. Unlike its younger sibling, however, this module comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions and has read/write speeds of 28MB/s and 10MB/s, respectively.
While not yet available, the two backup USB flash drives will start selling next month in the US and later on European markets. The Echo SE will be sold for $89.99 (16GB), $139.99 (32GB) and $259.99 (64GB), while the 8GB, 16GB and 32GB Echo ZE models will be priced at $49.99, $89.99 and $139.99, respectively.
