SanDisk announced the launch of a new model of flash stick memory from the Cruzer Micro series that takes the portable flash sticks to a whole new level with its 8GB of storage space. Since it's a well established flash memory solution, SanDisk felt that customers may need to transfer not only simple files but they might also like to keep their preferred programs with them while on the move, so the latest addition to the Cruzer Micro series comes with U3 smart technology.

According to the SanDisk's Web page dedicated to the Cruzer Micro series of portable flash memory sticks, using the U3 technology enables users to carry around both files and software application on a secure high speed USB drive. "You can have your wallpaper, preferences, favorites, profiles, and more - everything you need for a familiar computing experience on any PC, wherever you go."

SanDisk just upgraded the storage capabilities of the Cruzer Micro series with the latest flash data stick that has an unformatted storage capacity of 8GB and features a retractable USB connector which protects the port and also eliminates the need of a protective cap. The new Cruzer Micro flash data stick from SanDisk is optimized for use in conjunction with Microsoft's Windows Vista and it supports high data access and transfer speeds, which makes it perfect for Vista's ReadyBoost feature. Read and write operations as well as the connectivity status of the flash stick are represented by a bright amber light which signals all storage related activities. The 8GB model of the Cruzer Micro series comes with the portable U3 software platform which includes: CruzerSync synchronization software, SignupShield password manager, SKYPE communication application and the AVAST antivirus. The device is designed for taking full advantage of the high speed USB version 2.0 port but it maintains backward compatibility with the older 1,0 and 1.1standards.

Apart from being directly compatible with Windows Vista, the Cruzer Micro series also features full compatibility with Windows 2000, 2003 and XP as well as Linux distributions based on 2.4 kernels or newer.