The Memorex U3 smart Mini TravelDrive ($34.99 list) is a tiny (2.3 by 0.9 by 0.3 inches) USB key that comes with an assortment of U3-enabled applications. A tight-fitting clear plastic cap protects the 256MB USB adapter; you can connect it to the back of the drive when it's in use so you don't lose it.

Pop in the card and the U3 introduction and demo starts up, explaining how the U3 system works. The drive comes preloaded with three useful U3 apps: the Thunderbird for U3 e-mail client, an antivirus application, and Migo, a file-synchronization client. Each of these worked well. It took a minute or two to download new virus definitions from McAfee, but once you're done, you can scan and eliminate viruses on the smart Mini or local drives. The Migo client can be configured with just a few clicks to sync up all of your recently used files. Thunderbird for U3 lets you send and receive mail from any POP/IMAP account on any system with an Internet connection. The Memorex U3 smart Mini TravelDrive also has security options that require you to enter a password to access any of the drive's data or programs.

The applications only take about 4MB of space, so you'll have a lot of room for files. We tested the 256MB version, but there are 512MB ($54.99 list), 1GB ($99.99), and 2GB ($179.99) models in the same body size. A great mix of apps and features makes the Memorex U3 smart Mini TravelDrive an all-around solid USB drive.

Check out this drive alongside other U3 drives in our side by side comparison table.