The Echo ZE memory stick is very small. Plugged into the USB port of out Dell Mini 10 netbook, the Echo ZE protrudes by just 8mm. The idea is that the Echo ZE stays permanently plugged into your computer - what Lexar calls "plug and stay". This is because the Echo SE continually backs up your data.
Lexar's Echo Backup Manager software is included on the memory stick. During the installation process we were prompted to choose whether to backup a specific set of folders - the ones used most commonly - or any other user defined folders. There's also an option to use Lexar's online storage service to complement the Echo ZE memory stick.
There are plenty of other options to set as well. Backups can be encrypted and we could choose how many versions of updated files could be retained. The default setting of three versions means that we were able to edit a document and save it three times and could easily retrieve any one of the three previously saved version. Backups could also be limited to files of particular sizes and age.
What makes this backup solution work so well is that it requires no effort. Once the software was installed and the Echo ZE stick plugged in, there was nothing to do. Lexar's software monitored our chosen folders and automatically backed up changes.
