Modern Mamma Marvels

We have two computers. And FireDad uses more than one computer at work. Anyone who uses multiple computers knows that taking things from computer to computer has changed over the years. Remember floppy disks? Even better, do you remember those uber-huge actual floppy disks? Oh my, how technology has changed and advanced.

And now, technology even looks good!

We were sent a black SanDisk Cruzer Gator to review. It is 4GB in size which is a fabulous size. (Note: They also offer 8GB (!) and 2GB.) That size can hold quite a few large pictures, music to transfer from one computer to another or just a whole ton of files. And, as you can see in the picture to the left, it’s a small little thing, smaller than Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks, but snazzy looking at the same time. We opened it here at home and slipped it into the laptop’s USB port to give it the initial whirl.

The software that comes installed on the Cruzer Gator makes it easy to understand, even if you’ve never used a flashdrive before or, maybe if you’re just new to technology in general. There were prompts that asked you if you wanted help or if you wanted to go your own way if you knew what to do.

Here are two ideas we have for your Cruzer Gator.

1. The flashdrive offers downloadable software (internet connection required) like our browser of choice, Mozilla Firefox. Install that on your flashdrive, pop it in your computer at work and you have your own browser instead of the lame MIE that is usually offered. Furthermore, your personal data goes home with you at the end of the day. Bonus. Browsers available on the U3 Program Wizard are Firefox and Opera. It also offers Thunderbird for your e-mail needs. Very awesome.

2. Carry your photos with you wherever you go. 4GB of space is quite a lot for your photo needs! If you’re working outside of the home, you can take your photos with you to your work computer, pop in your flashdrive and view your kids whenever you so desire. This is also a great way to take pictures to Grandma’s house without using your own ink and printing at her house. (What? You’ve never done that? You should try it!) While I do suggest backing up all photos on disk, this is another quick way to backup as a temporary option.

FireDad really enjoyed the ease of use. He installed Firefox from the Wizard and had no problem heading to the “Download Central” to find a free game to add to the Cruzer. He did note that it loads a bit differently on Windows Vista than it does on Windows XP but not so much that it made a difference in ease of use.

Quite honestly, I couldn’t like the little piece of technology any more if I tried. It’s even attractive, cased in a faux “alligator” shell. We’re sporting the black one but there are two other colors, pink and red, available to the public. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed either. If you have multiple computers, at home or at work, this is the way to go.

And! I’m hosting a Mother’s Day contest over at Stop, Drop and Blog! You could win the red (4GB) or the pink (2GB). Be sure to visit the post and enter the contest! Go! (Contest ends May 6 at 12:00pm EDT.)