USB Flash Drive Roundup - 10/2005
by Anand Lal Shimpi on October 4, 2005 11:28 AM EST- Posted in
- Memory
SanDisk Ultra II Plus USB
Our final entry from SanDisk isn't exactly a USB flash drive. Instead, it is a SD card that has a USB interface directly on the card itself. The drive can be used both as a SD card and as a USB drive. Obviously here, we are more concerned with it as a USB drive.
To reveal the USB connector, you simply push the rear part of the SD card down and that part snaps away, revealing a USB connector. Much like the I-Stick's USB connector, there's obviously no metal surround, just the actual USB contacts themselves mounted to the plastic card.
Unfortunately, because of the nature of the card/drive, it actually feels quite flimsy. So although the form factor is nice, it isn't as solid feeling of a drive as PQI's I-Stick, since it is made of multiple movable pieces.
Obviously, this drive is more for users who have a camera or device that can use a SD card, as it makes for an easy way to get the contents of the drive onto a computer without worrying about finding a reader.
Our final entry from SanDisk isn't exactly a USB flash drive. Instead, it is a SD card that has a USB interface directly on the card itself. The drive can be used both as a SD card and as a USB drive. Obviously here, we are more concerned with it as a USB drive.
To reveal the USB connector, you simply push the rear part of the SD card down and that part snaps away, revealing a USB connector. Much like the I-Stick's USB connector, there's obviously no metal surround, just the actual USB contacts themselves mounted to the plastic card.
Unfortunately, because of the nature of the card/drive, it actually feels quite flimsy. So although the form factor is nice, it isn't as solid feeling of a drive as PQI's I-Stick, since it is made of multiple movable pieces.
Obviously, this drive is more for users who have a camera or device that can use a SD card, as it makes for an easy way to get the contents of the drive onto a computer without worrying about finding a reader.
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sxr7171 - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Time to get a Lexar JumpDrive lightning. This may not be important to a lot of people, but a USB drive IMHO needs to have a loop for a keyring. It is the most convenient way to carry the thing and always have it with you no matter what. I guess this applies more to people living in the city and not needing a car and the big bulky car keys/remote that come with that.TheInvincibleMustard - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Speaking of, is there some reason the Lexar isn't on the RTPE? I mean, it did just win an Editor's Choice and all, so you'd hope it would be one of the drives listed in the newly-announced Flash Storage section ... :(-TIM
Pete84 - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Bummer, OCZ's dual channel USB stick didn't get in.jkostans - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Someone didn't read the article......SpaceRanger - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Are USB drives able to be made Bootable?? I know that systems can recognize USB Floppy Drives, and boot from those, but I was wondering if you could take a USB Flash Drive and make it a bootable device.Phantronius - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
depending on the flash drive and the motherboard BIOS, yes you can do it.Phantronius - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
1st!!!I love my OEM made from some pretty lady in china USB 2.0 stick, its saved my ass so many times for my work, especially in data reterival and spyware removal.
Souka - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
I've had the Memina Rocket for a couple months now....before they even announced it (thanks to NewEgg)....write spead defintly kinda bite with small files especially, but usually I put drivers and stuff there once, then read mutliple times....so its a good match for me.PQI's I got over a year ago, and completely made everyone jealous.... for once, mem were bragging theirs is smaller than someone else's. :D
I still use a SanDisk Titanium.....only a 512mb module, but still works well.
Souka - Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - link
oopsss...typomeant to say...
PQI's I got over a year ago for my office, and completely made everyone jealous.... for once, men were bragging theirs was smaller!! :D