14 DAY TRIAL // Even though it has unveiled a significant number of products based on the newest technologies, Lexar Media doesn't seem to mind staying in line with current trends when it comes to storage devices, especially those that connect to a PC externally. Seeing how USB 3.0 is still far from being mainstream, the company decided to stick to USB 2.0 when it constructed the Echo SE and ZE flash drives. These devices were showcased at CES 2010 and, now, their maker is proudly announcing their availability.
Both the Echo SE and Echo ZE lines boast the built-in Echo backup software that Dmailer developed. This software can perform key tasks such as file versioning, which backs up a history of files and allows the retrieval of previous versions. There is also the possibility to back up only specific files, in order to save disk space, via the targeted file-backup feature. Additionally, the software offers optional AES 128-bit encryption, which will safeguard stored data in case the drive itself is misplaced.
The Echo ZE series is the one meant for mainstream and budget users. Its members have storage capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB and are quite compact, measuring 20.1 x 15.1 mm. They carry price tags of $39.99, $59.99 and $104.99, respectively. As for the higher performance Echo SE flash drives, they read and write data at 28/10MB/s and have capacities of 16GB ($59.99), 32GB ($86.99) and 64GB ($174.99).
"We're pleased to offer the Echo SE and ZE backup products worldwide to help secure data that can be lost through a busy mobile lifestyle," Aaron Lee, senior product marketing manager, Lexar Media, said. "As consumers continue to embrace a work and life schedule that includes increased use of on-the-go tools like netbooks and notebooks, it is important to have a reliable, convenient backup solution in place to protect from data loss."