Review: Sandisk Memory Vault 16GB

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Sandisk's new Memory Vault products ($50.00 for 8GB and  $ 90.00 for16GB) offer users archival storage solutions for personal videos and photos (as well as documents) for up to 100 years. The Memory Vault line isn't designed for quick transfer and travel of these files but to store and keep the most important and valuable memories for generations to come.

"Sandisk has created the Memory Vault to ensure your photos and videos last for generations," the company explains. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the Sandisk memory vault memory system contains a combination of a proprietary ASIC controller, non-volatile memory, and a system firmware to tie the two together. The resulting memory system provides users with a digital memory vault capable of keeping their most precious memories safe, at their original quality, for up to 100 years.

"Test data collected during our verification process prove that the Memory Vault product is capable of up to 100 years of data retention under typical room temperature storage conditions, with humidity and static protection."

The perfect scenario for using the Sandisk Memory Vault would be for families to store their most important memories such as scanned photos from the parent's wedding, baby photos, birthday photos or graduation photos as well as videos.

The device, which is solid, weighty and encased in metal, is easy enough to use thanks to Sandisk's drag and drop system. The hardest part about using the Sandisk memory vault is getting all the files in place and in the best possible format for storing. Once this is done, it is easy enough to add to the collection.

Once filled up, the Sandisk Memory Vault can be stored in a safe or a safety deposit box for safekeeping. While we always advise users to have at least 3 copies of their valuable files (and not kept in the same place) specially now that cloud storage is available, it is imperative to keep a copy securely in the cloud.

That being said, the Sandisk Memory Vault is a useful device that will appeal to a number of users. It isn't a substitute or replacement for the cheaper and higher capacity thumbdrives used to transfer files or which are designed for travel but it is a great solutions for keeping the most valuable files and media safely stored. The Sandisk Memory Vault also shows how Sandisk is capable of defining new product segments.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5