Lexar Media announced it has begun shipping its ultra-portable Lexar Echo SE and Lexar Echo ZE flash-based drives.

According to the statement, netbook and notebook users can now automatically and conveniently back up files while on the go, using the plug-and-stay, low-profile ZE or the high-capacity, high-performance SE drive.

The high-performance Echo SE is an ultra-portable drive that plugs into a computer’s USB port to perform automatic backup and transfer of files, at read speeds up to 28MB/s and write speeds up to 10MB/s. Echo ZE, with its low-profile 20.1 by 15.1 millimeter size and plug-and-stay design, is an always-ready drive providing a means to automatically back up essential files. Both drives are interoperable between Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, as well as Mac OS X operating systems, allowing data to be seamlessly accessible whether using PC or Mac computers. The Echo SE backup drive is available in capacities of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, and the Echo ZE backup drive, one of the smallest USB drives in the world, is available in capacities of 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB.

The drives include built-in Echo backup software developed by Dmailer for Lexar. Key features include targeted file backup, which stores only specified files and reduces wasted disk space, and file versioning, which backs up a history of files and allows the retrieval of previous versions. Additionally, the software offers optional AES 128-bit encryption, enabling protection in the event of drive loss.

During the month of May 2010, the Echo SE and ZE drives will be available exclusively through online retailer Amazon.com in the U.S. The Echo line will also be available for purchase through brick-and-mortar outlets in select countries worldwide, including Staples in the United Kingdom, FNAC in France, Media Markt in Germany, and top consumer electronics stores in Italy.

For more information please visit www.lexar.com