Introduction

I would like to thank Lexar & Overclockers UK for supplying the review sample.



We just got our hands on the entry level USB 3.0 offering from Lexar. Simply named S73, this colorful family of drives is available in blue, purple, orange, and green. Each color is reserved for a specific capacity with drives ranging from 8 GB to 64 GB. We got the orange S73 with 32 GB of flash memory for our review.

Features:

• Store and transfer content faster with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology
• Speeds up to 3x faster (up to 45MB/s read and 20MB/s write) than standard JumpDrive® USB 2.0 drives—at only slightly more cost
• Colorful capacity options
• Retractable connector with convenient thumb-slide
• Reliably stores and transfers photos, videos, files, and more
• Compatible with PC and Mac® systems
• Three-year limited warranty

Packaging

Lexar packages the S73 in a simple cardboard and plastic package. The entire unit is visible behind a clear plastic mold that has been glued in-between two pieces of cardboard paper. On the front, you will clearly find its capacity and speed, while the back goes into greater detail about the warranty and where to find additional information.

A Closer Look

The unit is shaped like the more expensive Triton variant from Lexar, but it utilizes plastic. On top of that, the drive feels rather hollow in general, and it seems like Lexar has kept things a bit simpler within the S73. You will find the company logo and the fact that this is a USB 3.0 based drive on top. On the back are a loophole for your keychain and some printed text on its orange shell.


Unlike the Triton, the S73 is actually manufactured in China. The number 3312 denotes that it was produced during the thirty-third week of 2012. You will also find the CE and FCC logo here, which has been printed onto the housing as well.


The S73 can be considered pretty standard in terms of size, but is still slightly bulkier than drives without any protective measures for the connector. Its little loop hole for the keychain is part of the housing and makes a strong enough impressions, so you won't have to worry about it breaking off. Unlike the Triton, there is no string included. You need to figure out how to attach the unit to your keychain yourself.


The sliding mechanism seems to be the same one as the one found on the Triton. Simply push the slider out to reveal the USB connector. It snaps into place nicely once fully extended. The capacity, printed on the S73's sliding part, is only visible when the unit is in use.