Lexar Echo ZE 16GB

A USB Direct Backup

Very discreet, the key Echo ZE Lexar includes software to record streaming and backup your most important files.

Lexar launches ultra-compact USB flash drive that includes backup software for PC and Mac. It can automatically keep your computer files and, if desired, to encrypt for added security.

Most USB keys are used to store and transfer files but you can also use it as backup media. In this context, offers the Lexar USB Echo EZ is designed to remain continuously connected to your computer, especially on laptops and NetbooksTo safeguard their files.

The key is distinguished by its extremely compact dimensions (2.01 x 1.51 x 0.76 inches without the cap). However, Lexar does not indicate the transfer speed in reading and writing. The manufacturer has primarily treated the software including the Echo ZE a specific program for the backup.

Automatic backup

The Echo software designed by Dmailer editor allows you to easily define “backup plans” specifying the type of files to keep (text documents, spreadsheets, photos, etc..) And the location of files. If you wish, backups can be encrypted with an AES 128-bit to not be accessible without password. The program saves multiple versions of a file (default three versions, up to ten if you change the setting) and provides filtering options (by date, size). After the first backup, the software stores only the new files and changed files, which makes the process faster. In addition, the operation is automatic. Echo is available in Mac and PC.

The key is available in three capacities: 8GB (about 30 euros), 16GB (48 euro) and 32GB (95 Euros). If you need a key to more efficient and providing more capacity, Lexar also sells model Echo SE 16GB version (48 euros), 32GB (98 Euros) and 64 GB (185 euros). This key is faster (up to 28MB / s read and 10MB / s write), but slightly larger (5.42 x 2.1 x 1.04 cm), although this is very reasonable .

The expectations before test

Lexar offers an ultra-compact USB stick for backup data from your computer, especially laptops and netbooks. With a capacity of 8, 16 or 32 GB, includes Echo Echo EZ Backup that automatically backs up your files. The software is available in Mac or PC version. We tested the key to whether it is efficient and easy to use.

The reality

Key Echo ZE impressed by its miniaturization because it is hardly bigger than a USB connector! It measures only 2.01 x 1.51 x 0.76 cm (2.3 x 1.51 x 0.76 cm with cap), which allows you to plug “permanently” on your computer without its it does not exceed too. The case is transparent blue and light activity is placed at the end, making it visible.
The key performance provides modest. Thus, we measured maximum speeds of 20.25 MB / s read speed and 11.41 MB / s write (these speeds are obtained with DivX 700 MB). This is sufficient to make backups but it will wait if you are storing large files such as videos. To be compatible with Macs and PCs, the drive is formatted FAT32. We tested the 32GB version, sold about 95 euros, but Lexar also offers capacity of 8 GB (30 euro) and 16GB (48 Euros).

An easy to configure software

AsEcho SE The main advantage of the ZE’s Echo Echo Backup software, designed by the publisher Dmailer. A quick start guide is also present on the key in PDF, but the use of the software is proving rather simple. Basically, you just set the folders on your computer you want to save, and the type of file (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, photos, music, videos or other). An option to automatically select the current Windows files (Office, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music).
You can also encrypt your files when saving by setting a password, or create filters based on the size and date. Echo backup software runs directly from the key, but a small utility is installed on the hard disk: Echo Backup Manager, which runs in the background and consumes about 10 MB of memory. Its role is to run the software automatically when you plug Echo Backup the key, or starting the computer.

A backup continues under conditions

Echo backup software is that backup files, and it is therefore imperative that it is running if you want to perform continuous backups (each time a file is changed). So remember not to close it if the function you want (it consumes about 37 MB of memory). Otherwise, it will restart from the key or disconnect and reconnect it.
You have two ways to use Echo Backup: continuous backup mode or by running each time you plug the key. If you leave it connected permanently, consider disabling the ability to boot from USB in the BIOS of the PC, so Windows can boot properly.
The files are stored in the My Backup the key and are directly accessible in their last saved version, provided they are not encrypted. Other versions (Echo Backup automatically records a maximum of three per file) must be restored by the software before being available. However, the restore operation appears very simple. Finally, Lexar and Dmailer offer a free backup of your files online, with a maximum capacity of 2GB This feature can be activated from the Echo Backup software.

The test and review conclusions

This key is a bit slow, but it is sufficient for use as backup media. With its very small size, you can leave it permanently connected to your computer and benefit from its backup software, rather well designed.

Positive points

* Any small key
* Automatic Backup
* Mac and PC

Negative points

* Transfer speeds not specified

Technical specifications

Capacity
16GB
Write protect (physical)
NC