Lexar JumpDrive Lightning 4GB USB drive

The first 4GB ReadyBoost-compliant drive, useful too for big data in a small and sexy stick.

Lexar has released the first 4GB USB drive that’s certified for ReadyBoost use in Windows Vista, the JumpDrive Lightning.

To qualify, a USB drive must sustain 140X (21MB/sec write speed, and a read speed of 200X (30MB/sec). If a USB drive fails to meet that minimum standard Windows Vista will not use it for ReadyBoost.

Using a ReadyBoost USB key can significantly improve Vista’s response times to commonly used desktop-based apps by operating as a form of cache. The catch is that to get any noticeable benefit, the USB drive is recommended to be around twice to three times installed system RAM. Given that 2GB is the new minimum for most power-users running Vista, a 4GB USB key that qualifies for ReadyBoost is a desirable item indeed.

With a RRP of $180, the JumpDrive offers a cost effective gate to snappier system performance. And if you need 4GB of fast and very portable storage, just unplug the thing and away you go, Vista will just keep soldiering on without fuss until you put it back again.

We tested every USB key we’ve ever been sent, and thus far only one lowly DSE 512MB key managed to pass Vista’s ReadyBoost speed test. The JumpDrive Lightning also passed the minimum speed test, but the whopping 4GB of memory kicks life into ReadyBoost, making a noticeable difference to desktop performance.

We could quite happily live with a Vista machine without a ReadyBoost key, the difference is not chalk and cheese, but for loading regularly used apps the speed difference is certainly appreciated.

JumpDrive also ships with some useful data storage apps – including a data ‘shredder’, that permanently gobbles your files if the drive is lost or stolen. The files are encrypted with 256-bit AES, so if you forget your password you are most definitely screwed, but so too is anyone attempting to access your most sensitive data.

Also included is ‘PowerToGo’, which lets you run apps from the JumpDrive that never copies any data to the host PC. We like that.

The flash drive looks flash too, befitting its flagship status in Lexar’s line. A solid stainless steel case with blue LED make it quite the most delightful bright shiny object.