Lexar Echo MX 32GB Backup Thumb Drive Review

Although there are some oddities that surround the included software – namely the fact that its developer no longer exists, the Echo MX could still be a drive worthy of consideration by some. Those who simply want to plug a drive in and let the computer take over will love the implementation here, as it’s simple, and works.

By default, the software will not overwrite data until three revisions are made (adjustable up to 10), which is a nice little perk. At the same time though, the software does not delete content on the drive that no longer exists on the source, making this a pure backup solution and not one that syncs.

In the intro, I mentioned SyncBack as another solution for those who already have an external storage solution, and in this case I’d say that it’d be a better solution than the one found on this drive. While it doesn’t have the ability to monitor when storage is plugged in, it offers far more options and can act as a proper synchronization tool, not only one for backup.

Past that, I never managed to figure out how to delete the individual files and folders off of the thumb drive via the included software, and have deemed it impossible. There are no options for it to delete files that no longer exist on the source, and right-clicking any file only yields copy options. On a non-encrypted drive, you can peruse the folder structure and delete what you need, but with encrypted files, that’s not an option.

It seems to me that the only true solution is to format the thumb drive on occasion and then let the software re-backup all of your up-to-date folders. Obviously, this is not an ideal solution.

That’s not to say there aren’t some other pros to this Lexar-bundled software, though. The biggest is the fact that it can encrypt your data and also handle multiple profiles. And if you wish to take advantage of the YuuWaa online storage service, it automatically uploads your data there as well, seamlessly.

Overall, this isn’t a bad drive, but it could be better. The software is finicky, and the lack of ability to delete a file on the drive easily is without question, a bit odd. One thing the Echo MX does have going for it is its price, though, at less than $50 for the 32GB model.

For those who can handle the odd quirks of the software, this is a decent solution. But for those who don’t mind going the DIY route, a little more effort will avail you far more flexibility.

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