Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M900 USB 3.1. If you're looking for a reliable and speedy way to transfer your files, this little gadget might just be what you need. We'll cover everything from its design and performance to its pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision.

What is Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M900 USB 3.1?

The Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M900 USB 3.1 is a portable storage device designed for fast and secure data transfer. It's a small, lightweight USB drive that you can easily carry around in your pocket or attach to your keychain. The main selling point? Its USB 3.1 interface promises significantly faster read and write speeds compared to older USB 2.0 drives. This means you can transfer large files, like videos and high-resolution photos, in a fraction of the time. It’s all about convenience and efficiency, guys! Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who needs to move files between computers, this jump drive aims to make your life easier. It boasts a sleek design and durable build, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of daily use. Lexar, as a brand, has a solid reputation in the memory and storage industry, so you can generally expect a decent level of quality and reliability. The 128GB capacity is a sweet spot for many users, offering enough space to store important documents, presentations, media files, and even some software applications. Plus, with the faster transfer speeds, you'll spend less time waiting and more time being productive. The Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M900 is also designed to be backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports, so you can use it with older computers, although you won't get the full speed benefit. Overall, it's a versatile and practical storage solution for anyone who needs to carry their data on the go. It’s a blend of speed, capacity, and portability that makes it a compelling option in the crowded market of USB drives. The drive also often comes with security features like password protection and encryption to keep your data safe from unauthorized access. This is particularly useful if you're carrying sensitive information. In short, the Lexar JumpDrive M900 is a compact, high-speed USB drive that offers a convenient way to store and transfer your files. With its USB 3.1 interface, ample storage capacity, and security features, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient portable storage solution. So, if you're tired of waiting ages for files to copy, this might be the upgrade you need.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications that make the Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M900 USB 3.1 stand out. This will give you a clear picture of what this little device is capable of.

• Capacity: Obviously, we're talking about a 128GB model here. This is a decent amount of storage for most everyday needs. You can store a ton of documents, photos, music, and even some videos without running out of space quickly. 128GB strikes a good balance between capacity and portability, making it ideal for users who need to carry a significant amount of data without being bogged down by larger, bulkier storage solutions.
• USB 3.1 Interface: This is where the magic happens. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (formerly known as USB 3.0) offers significantly faster transfer speeds compared to USB 2.0. We're talking about theoretical speeds of up to 5Gbps, which translates to much quicker file transfers in real-world use. This faster interface dramatically reduces the time it takes to copy large files, making your workflow more efficient and less frustrating. It's a game-changer if you're used to the snail's pace of older USB drives.
• Read and Write Speeds: The Lexar M900 boasts impressive read and write speeds. While the exact numbers can vary depending on your system and file types, you can typically expect read speeds of up to 400MB/s and write speeds of up to 300MB/s. These speeds are considerably faster than standard USB 2.0 drives, which often struggle to exceed 30MB/s. The high read speeds allow for quick access to your files, while the fast write speeds ensure that copying data to the drive is a breeze. These speeds make a noticeable difference when working with large files or transferring entire folders of data.
• Design and Build: The JumpDrive M900 usually features a sleek, compact design. It's small enough to fit in your pocket or on a keychain, making it highly portable. The housing is typically made of durable materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Some models may feature a retractable connector to protect the USB interface when not in use. The design is not just about aesthetics; it's also about practicality and durability, ensuring that your data is safe and accessible wherever you go.
• Security Features: Many versions of the Lexar JumpDrive M900 come with built-in security software. This allows you to password-protect your files and even encrypt them to prevent unauthorized access. This is a crucial feature if you're storing sensitive data on the drive. The security features add an extra layer of protection, giving you peace of mind knowing that your data is safe even if the drive is lost or stolen. This makes it suitable for professionals and anyone who handles confidential information.
• Compatibility: The Lexar M900 is designed to be compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. It also supports USB 3.1 and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports, so you can use it with older computers as well. However, keep in mind that you'll only get the full USB 3.1 speeds when connected to a USB 3.1 port. The wide compatibility ensures that you can use the drive with virtually any computer, making it a versatile tool for any user.
• Other Features: Some models may also include features like an LED indicator to show when the drive is in use, as well as a lanyard loop for easy attachment to keychains or bags. These small additions enhance the overall user experience and make the drive even more convenient to use. The LED indicator is a simple but useful feature, providing visual feedback on the drive's activity.

Performance and Speed Tests

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of performance. The Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M900 USB 3.1 promises fast speeds, but how does it actually perform in real-world scenarios? To give you a clear picture, we need to look at some performance and speed tests.

• Read and Write Speed Claims: Lexar advertises read speeds of up to 400MB/s and write speeds of up to 300MB/s for the M900. Keep in mind that these are maximum speeds, and your actual speeds may vary depending on several factors, including your computer's hardware, the file types you're transferring, and the USB port you're using. However, even if you don't hit those exact numbers, you should still see a significant improvement compared to USB 2.0 drives.
• Real-World Testing: In real-world tests, users have reported read speeds ranging from 250MB/s to 380MB/s and write speeds ranging from 180MB/s to 280MB/s. These are still very respectable speeds, and they make a noticeable difference when transferring large files. For example, copying a 5GB video file can take just a few seconds, whereas it might take several minutes with a USB 2.0 drive. The actual speeds you experience will depend on the size and type of files you're transferring. Smaller files tend to transfer slower due to the overhead of managing each individual file, while larger files benefit more from the drive's high sequential read and write speeds.
• Factors Affecting Performance: Several factors can impact the performance of the Lexar M900. These include:
  • USB Port: To get the full benefit of USB 3.1 speeds, you need to plug the drive into a USB 3.1 port. Using a USB 2.0 port will significantly limit the transfer speeds.
  • Computer Hardware: The speed of your computer's processor, RAM, and storage drive can also affect transfer speeds. A faster computer will generally be able to transfer files more quickly.
  • File Type: Different file types have different compression levels and sizes, which can affect transfer speeds. Large, uncompressed files tend to transfer faster than smaller, compressed files.
  • Operating System: Your operating system can also play a role in transfer speeds. Some operating systems are more efficient at handling file transfers than others.
• Comparison with Other Drives: Compared to other USB 3.1 drives in its class, the Lexar M900 generally performs well. It's not the absolute fastest drive on the market, but it offers a good balance of speed, capacity, and price. It consistently outperforms USB 2.0 drives and holds its own against many other USB 3.1 options. When choosing a USB drive, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. If you need the absolute fastest speeds, you might want to look at more expensive options. However, for most users, the Lexar M900 provides more than enough performance for everyday tasks.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's weigh the pros and cons of the Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M900 USB 3.1.

Pros

• Fast Transfer Speeds: The USB 3.1 interface provides significantly faster read and write speeds compared to USB 2.0, making file transfers much quicker.
• Ample Storage Capacity: 128GB is a decent amount of storage for most users, allowing you to store a large number of files.
• Compact and Portable: The small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around in your pocket or on a keychain.
• Durable Build: The housing is typically made of durable materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
• Security Features: Many models come with built-in security software for password protection and encryption.
• Wide Compatibility: Compatible with both Windows and macOS, and backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports.

Cons

• Speed Variations: Actual transfer speeds may vary depending on your system and file types.
• Plastic Casing: While durable, the plastic casing might not feel as premium as some metal alternatives.
• Price: While not the most expensive, it's not the cheapest option either. You can find cheaper USB drives with similar capacity, but they might not offer the same performance.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M900 USB 3.1 doesn't quite meet your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• SanDisk Extreme PRO USB 3.2 Solid State Flash Drive: This drive offers even faster speeds than the Lexar M900, but it also comes at a higher price point. It's a great option if you need the absolute fastest transfer speeds possible.
• Samsung BAR Plus USB 3.1 Flash Drive: The Samsung BAR Plus is known for its stylish metal design and decent performance. It's a good choice if you want a drive that looks good and performs well.
• Kingston DataTraveler Exodia: If you're on a tight budget, the Kingston DataTraveler Exodia is a solid option. It doesn't offer the same speeds as the Lexar M900, but it's still a significant improvement over USB 2.0 drives.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Lexar 128GB JumpDrive M900 USB 3.1? Overall, it's a solid choice for anyone looking for a fast, reliable, and portable storage solution. The USB 3.1 interface provides significantly faster transfer speeds compared to USB 2.0, and the 128GB capacity is enough for most everyday needs. While it might not be the absolute fastest drive on the market, it offers a good balance of speed, capacity, and price. If you value speed, portability, and security, the Lexar M900 is definitely worth considering. It's a great all-around USB drive that will make your life easier.