Lexar SAFE PSD S1100
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Storage Capacity: 1 Gbyte or 2 Gbytes
Casing: Standard
Encryption: Hardware-based 256-bit AES encryption
Special features: Passphrase, unique serial number, compliant with central management software
Speed: Not listed
Price: $60 / $95

The Lexar SAFE PSD S1100 was also built for the enterprise setting. But instead of a proprietary central management offering such as SanDisk CMC, Lexar directs its enterprise customers to Sanctuary Device Control, a third-party application that provides whitelist-based access control for external devices. Lexar SAFE PSD S1100 allows the Sanctuary software to set and enforce policies about access, usage and auditing. Indeed, every bit of data written to the USB drive can be "shadowed" in a back-office server for auditing and compliance purposes.

On its own, the Lexar SAFE PSD S1100 also offers some worthwhile capabilities. Instead of a password, the device is secured with a passphrase, which must be at least eight characters and can contain any number of spaces and special characters.

However, the software driver for the device must be installed on each computer for which the drive will be used. This precludes the use of the device out in the wild, where your ability to install software may be curtailed.

Storage Capacity: 512 Kbytes, 1 Gbyte, 2 Gbytes, or 4 Gbytes
Casing: Black matte casing
Encryption: Hardware-based 256-bit AES encryption
Special features: Capacity meter, file shredder, cross-platform
Speed: Not listed
Price: $25 / $30 / $75 / $95

Simplicity and standards define the plain USB drive. Because USB is a standard, USB drives work cross-platform, so that you can easily move files from your PC at work to your Mac at home. However, secure USB drives tend to be Windows-only, appealing to the PC-based enterprise market.

The encryption software on the JumpDrive Secure II Plus works cross-platform, on both Windows and on Mac OS X 10.3 and higher. Sure, most Macs these days ship on Intel platforms, but you shouldn't have to jump between operating system hoops when it's not necessary.

However, you may need help from your system administrator to access the secure segment from the office. In a typical enterprise configuration, the encryption software may need to be installed on your PC.

Lexar also includes "file shredder" software to ensure that deleted files stay deleted.