Contour drive is very big and disappointing

Author's Rating:

Pros: Fast write speed.

Cons: Too big, heavy and no key chain support without using the case.

The Bottom Line: 
I would not recommend this product. It does comfortably fit on your keychain.

Author's Review
I own the Sandisk Cruzer 4gb retractable flash drive which I love. When I ordered the 8gb Contour I had assumed Sandisk would continue the tradition of making a small retractable drive that could easily fit on your keychain, but my assumption was wrong.

The Contour is a classic case of some artsy design with no practical use. They made the drive about 25% larger than the Cruzer with no key chain hook. They include a nice looking carrying case for it with a key chain attachment but the case makes the drive even larger. The designers totally missed the boat on usage and spent all their time making it look cool. Not only is it huge but the flash drive is made out metal and could easily be used to replace a lead sinker if you like to go fishing.

Next is the retractable USB connector. I defy anybody to retract the device on the first try without reading the manual. It's easy to retract once you read the manual but everyone I have handed this flash drive to is unable to open it without a lesson.

The drive works and is fast from a technical point of view but who ever designed this clunker does not live in a real world. How Sandisk did not market test this drive is a mystery.