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What's up with USB Flash Drives

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Rated G. (Control what you see)

What's the big deal with USB Flash Drives?

 

In basic terms, they work independently of your computer's registry and drivers. That means you can create a "mini-you" Plug-and-Play computer that you can take with you and always feel at home and be productive no matter where you call your desktop, "Home".

Cool Life-Balance Book 

Lifehacker: 88 Tech Tricks to Turbocharge Your Day

Lifehacker: 88 Tech Tricks to Turbocharge Your Day

by Gina Trapani

Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 10/06/2008)

Price Drops 

Flash Drives are coming down in price every day (annoying example: I paid about $100 for a 256 MB 1.1 USB drive when it was on sale 3 years ago - the newer 1 Gigabyte version is now down to under 10 bucks.)

2.0 Version of My Very First USB Flash Drive is 1GB now 

PNY 1GB Attache USB 2.0 Flash Drive P-FD1GBATT2-FS

PNY 1GB Attache USB 2.0 Flash Drive P-FD1GBATT2-FS

Amazon Price: $9.60 (as of 10/06/2008)

"Well, if it Did More Stuff ..." 

Added to that is multifunctionality. There are now drives with MP3 playback capability, digital voice recorders and cameras, FM tuners, watches, VoIP functionality, (and real writing pens??? are you kidding me? who still uses those?) These features, coupled with an ever-increasing amount of storage capacity, faster data transfer speeds, and software being developed give a strong argument as to why these drives are enjoying ever-increasing popularity.

Cool-looking Drives 

Victorinox SwissMemory 512 MB, Translucent Ruby

Victorinox SwissMemory 512 MB, Translucent Ruby

Amazon Price: $46.41 (as of 10/06/2008)

Edge PE204563 DiskGO 1 GB USB Watch Drive

Edge PE204563 DiskGO 1 GB USB Watch Drive

Amazon Price: $61.39 (as of 10/06/2008)

Coby MP-C885 1 GB Flash MP3 Player with FM Tuner and Direct USB Drive (Black)

Coby MP-C885 1 GB Flash MP3 Player with FM Tuner and Direct USB Drive (Black)

Amazon Price: $26.18 (as of 10/06/2008)

"I've Had it with Gadgets!" 

You may think you have enough gadgets to last you the rest of century - well, the decade anyway - but there are some very good reasons to consider adding a USB Flash Drive to your ever-growing collection of technophenalia:


  • Tech Support! Say you've got a friend that isn't as tech-savvy as you (we've all got 'em) and they need some sort of upgrade (I have a friend that every time she finds out she needs something "complicated" like "anti-virus software" she wants to label her computer as "broken" and pack it up and put it in a closet.) Keep the latest installation files on one drive so you don't have to wait for a download on a dial-up modem. It's a logical step-up progression from a bootable floppy disk too!

  • Life Support! Yak Biotech Solutions at Victoria University in Australia developed a wearable USB storage device that basically functions as a medical alert bracelet. Imation has now come out with a commercial version of the bracelet that's more for style points but what's to stop you from doing this yourself?

  • Amber Alert Amber Alert and Kingston have come up with an encrypted Flash Drive that functions as an Amber Alert Child ID Kit. Just plug it into your computer, fill out the forms and you're prepared with your child's id, photo and contact information.

  • The New Portable Office Have you ever had "one of those nights" where you needed to finish this document or that spreadsheet but either didn't have the luxury of having a company laptop or the file (such as an Access database) was too large to email to your home so you were stuck at the office later than the cleaning crew? Simply transfer the files onto the Flash Drive.
    Of course, there's all of those graphic, networking and web authoring apps too, so you can continue earning $5,000 a day on the internet while working from the PC they provide for you in your luxury hotel room in Hawaii (you ARE a progressive entrepeneur, aren't you?)

  • It's Got Your Back(up) There are also great applications like document processors, spreadsheet apps, and PIM's that provide a great backup plan if your computer ever crashes (not that it ever would!)

    • "Okay, Keep Talking" 

    Think about the next time you walk into a job interview and your future boss suddenly wants to see a sample of that deck you created for the Incredibly Original Regional Sales Manager Presentation for your last company (the one where they gave you a standing ovation,) or an example of your spreadsheet template work - you're covered.

    When You're Looking for An Edge 

    Hire Me, Inc.: Package Yourself to Get Your Dream Job

    Hire Me, Inc.: Package Yourself to Get Your Dream Job

    by Roy J. Blitzer

    Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 10/06/2008)

    Hire Me, Inc. Interviews: That Get Offers

    Hire Me, Inc. Interviews: That Get Offers

    by Roy J. Blitzer

    Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 10/06/2008)

    "I Just Like to Have Fun" 

    Then here's your Portable Entertainment Center.

    You are one of 11 people left in this world that don't have an iPod (I thought I recognized you from my support group!).
    You can still transfer all of those MP3's onto your Flash Drive and plug it into your computer at work (or laptop when you're at your fave PC cafe') and listen to your favorite tunes. Don't forget your headphones :)


    Or install an eReader and download a book or two.


    Or maybe your boss doesn't have a problem with you playing video games during your lunch break but you're sick and tired of MS Pinball (I know I gave it up after 5 million points). More and more games are being developed for USB drives ...that means you never have to mess up the company computer with a download and installation.

    "What Do I Need to Get Going?" 

    OK, I can tell you're warming up to this small-but-mighty gadget (it must've been the video games). Glad you asked!!
    Once you've decided to purchase a Flash Drive, if you're hard core and still running Windows 98, you'll need a special driver for your PC to run it.
    You'll also need a driver if you're running a Mac older than OS 9.
    These kinds of drivers are usually included when you purchase a Flash drive but if they aren't, you can usually download them from the manufacturer's website.


    Sometimes the USB ports are on the back of a desktop computer. If this is true for you then you may want to invest a few bucks in an extension cable to save yourself from fishing around behind your desktop.


    If you're already drowning in USB Gadget City, you might want to consider getting an external hub.


    Or even if you don't have any USB connectivity at all, you can buy a PCI add-in card that hosts multiple ports.

    Attachments 

    Cables To Go - 26686 - 3M (9.8ft) USB A Male to A Female Extension Cable (White)

    Cables To Go - 26686 - 3M (9.8ft) USB A Male to A Female Extension Cable (White)

    A USB Extension cable

    Amazon Price: $9.14 (as of 10/06/2008)

    Usually ships in 24 hours

    D-Link DUB-H4 High Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Hub

    D-Link DUB-H4 High Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Hub

    Here's an External Hub

    Amazon Price: $26.98 (as of 10/06/2008)

    Usually ships in 24 hours

    Hi-Speed USB 2.0 5-Port PCI Card

    Hi-Speed USB 2.0 5-Port PCI Card

    This is a PCI card

    Amazon Price: $27.99 (as of 10/06/2008)

    Usually ships in 24 hours

    "Is That It?" 

    Well, when buying a USB drive, given the price, it's easy to NOT think about what you should be getting and just grab whatever is on the rack at your favorite discount store, but don't forget that you still need to interface with a desktop or laptop so approach this purchase in the same way as if you were buying a new PC. Decide on the kind of compatability you'll need and storage size along with what kind of peripherals, security (if you plan on working from PC cafe's, the library, etc., you DEFINITELY want firewall and anti-virus protection!) and functionality you need (or want) from your drive and then do your homework. Read the reviews, check the warranties (manufacturers offer replacements anywhere from 0 days to a lifetime) and extras like bundled software packages and logon password protection (but save THAT password somewhere other than on your drive!)

    Happy Flashing!

    Popular USB Flash Drives 

    These drives got good reviews at Amazon

    Corsair 8 GB USB 2.0 Ultra Rugged Flash Survivor Drive

    Corsair 8 GB USB 2.0 Ultra Rugged Flash Survivor Drive

    With super fast transfer rates, surprising impact protection, water resistance up to 12 meters and a 10 year warranty, this is a great drive for those taking their time to implement their plans for world domination.

    Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)

    Kingston 2 GB DataTraveler II USB 2.0 Flash Drive ( KUSBDTII/2GB )

    Kingston 2 GB DataTraveler II USB 2.0 Flash Drive ( KUSBDTII/2GB )

    Capacity: 2GB; Warranty: 5 years; Platform: Windows, Mac; Data Transfer Rate (read/write): 11MB/7MB; Password Protection: "Security Software included"

    Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)

    Corsair Flash Voyager USB 2.0 - USB flash drive - 2 GB ( CMFUSB2.0-2GB )

    Corsair Flash Voyager USB 2.0 - USB flash drive - 2 GB ( CMFUSB2.0-2GB )

    Capacity: 2 GB; Warranty: 10 years; Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac; Data Transfer Rate: "Up to 19Mb/sec transfer rate"; Password Protection: "Security Application"

    Amazon Price: $27.64 (as of 10/06/2008)

    Verbatim Store 'n' Go USB Flash Drive - 1GB (95138)

    Verbatim Store 'n' Go USB Flash Drive - 1GB (95138)

    Capacity: 1GB (other capacities available); Platform: Windows, Mac; Warranty: Limited Lifetime; Data Transfer Rate: None Listed; Password Protection: "Security Feature to Protect Sensitive Data"

    Amazon Price: $10.25 (as of 10/06/2008)

    TrekStor USB-Stick 2.0 CS-D/ 6 GB ( 50420 )

    TrekStor USB-Stick 2.0 CS-D/ 6 GB ( 50420 )

    Capacity: 6GB, Warranty: None Listed; Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, Data Transfer Rate (read/write): 9 MBs/5.3 MBs, Password Protection: None Listed

    Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)

    Different Drives 

    BUSLink DL-60-U2 External USB 2.0 60 GB Ultra-Slim Hard Drive

    BUSLink DL-60-U2 External USB 2.0 60 GB Ultra-Slim Hard Drive

    OK, this is what we've come to - you can pick up an external 60 GB Plug-and-Play drive for around 100 bucks that weighs about 1 pound. ONE POUND! That's lighter than most handweights you'll find in a step-aerobics class.

    Amazon Price: $74.56 (as of 10/06/2008)

    Usually ships in 1 to 2 days

    1GB Muvo Tx MP3 Player Voice Recorder USB Red with Fm Tuner and voice recorder

    1GB Muvo Tx MP3 Player Voice Recorder USB Red with Fm Tuner and voice recorder

    For a USB with "extras" (oh, you know you can only hold out for so long)
    Platform is PC (Hey, they're trying to sell an MP3 player, not necessarily the USB drive)

    Amazon Price: $69.99 (as of 10/06/2008)

    Usually ships in 1-2 business days

    Great Stuff on eBay 

    Loading Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
    eBay

    Other Places to Check Out 

    AMBER Alert Child ID Kit
    AMBER Alert Portal. The AMBER Alert system operates in all 50 states to assist law enforcement and alerting communities in the case of child abduction.
    mimoco
    Mimco has provided a new outlet for artists which has yielded unusually painted drives with different storage capacities.
    I love the Star Wars series.
    USB - 2.0, port, Hi-Speed, Wireless, OTG - Everything USB
    A USB port connects more than computers and peripherals. It has the power to connect you with a new world of PC experiences. Everything USB.
    Sony's MicroVault Click Excellence drives are Bill and Ted approved - Engadget
    Engadget is a great place to snoop around and find the latest and greatest things going on with USB drives.

    CNet News 

    A Longtime Favorite of Mine

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    Dutch scientific paper and German research provides enough information for someone to make fake tran...
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    Amid troubled economic climate, public companies like SAP and Netflix are retooling Wall Street's ex...

    Related topics: USB,  drive,  flash,  Computers, Gadgets & Tech,  more

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