Flash Drive question

[TemjinGold]

Hey guys,

I have a Sandisk Cruzer Titanium Plus 4gb and I love it as it takes all kinds of abuse (just left it in the wash by accident and still works.) The only thing I don't like about it is that the little ring for a keychain snaps really easily. I have 11 keys on my keyring, so when I hook the drive onto it and have it plugged into a usb port (with the weight hanging), the ring breaks (metal loosens) after a few such uses. Does anyone know of either a better solution (i.e. getting a much stronger ring put in) or another flash drive with the same durability but with a ring that won't break (a much larger ring would do the trick but the hole in this drive is too small to accommodate that)?

 

[corkyg]

I solved this problem 2 ways. First, by using the Lexar Firefly drive. It's key ring attachment is on the drive cover - a very secure soft plastic. Very tough. In the pocket like this:

When I put the drive in my laptop it is like this:

The other option, and one I use for car wash, car servicing, etc., is a detachable, quick release segment that separates my house key and flash memory from the car key:

These would work with your Cruzer. I got this quick release gizmo from a dealer when I bought a car over 10 years ago. It works! You could put specific devices on the removable segment so as not to over load your Cruzer's fragile keyring.

 

[TemjinGold]

Oooo that quick release thingy looks neat. Any ideas where I would get one (or what it's called)?

 

[corkyg]

Well, there are several newer types. Take a look here. It seems to be similar.

http://www.keychains4you.com/devake.html

 

[TemjinGold]

I'll look into that, thanks!

 

[corkyg]

The whole scenario changes with the newer cars with keyless ignition. The ignition module must be in the car to start it and run. What to do about car washes, etc.? Here is the new car key:

The device has its own removable emergency door key. It separates quickly like this:

I guess another solution is a new car!

Good luck!

 

[Yellowbeard]

Hey guys,

I have a Sandisk Cruzer Titanium Plus 4gb and I love it as it takes all kinds of abuse (just left it in the wash by accident and still works.) The only thing I don't like about it is that the little ring for a keychain snaps really easily. I have 11 keys on my keyring, so when I hook the drive onto it and have it plugged into a usb port (with the weight hanging), the ring breaks (metal loosens) after a few such uses. Does anyone know of either a better solution (i.e. getting a much stronger ring put in) or another flash drive with the same durability but with a ring that won't break (a much larger ring would do the trick but the hole in this drive is too small to accommodate that)?

You could use a small "D" ring to attach the existing flash drive to your keyring so it can be removed quickly.

Also, a Survivor drive would work well. The drive portion unscrews from the protective housing so you would not have your keys hanging from the drive when it's in use.

 

[corkyg]

. . . and also consider a mini-carabiner for easy, quick removal of keys.

There are many ways to solve the problem.

 

[TemjinGold]

Appreciate the suggestions! By the way, are there any solutions that would allow me to keep the drive on the key chain while in use?

 

[corkyg]

Sure. Consider a retractable reel so that you could leave the flash drive on the key chain but extend it so as to remove all tension and weight.

http://www.usalanyards.com/reels.aspx

 

[kornphlake]

I'd use a short usb cord personally, the usb port wasn't really designed to be holding the weight of your massive key ring cantilevered out an inch and a half.

 

[Yellowbeard]

I'd use a short usb cord personally, the usb port wasn't really designed to be holding the weight of your massive key ring cantilevered out an inch and a half.

Good idea. A USB hub would work too.

 

[TemjinGold]

Usb cord? What's that? A hub won't work as I mostly use it at work.

 

[kornphlake]

Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/USB-Rtrctbl-Ex.../dp/B000CDKJ88

Or simply a short usb extension cord like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Inch-Fully-Rat.../dp/B000E5CYW8

 

[TemjinGold]

Hmm.... not a bad idea...

 

[corkyg]

An excellent idea. I always have a couple of these in my laptop bag. Never thought of this usage - I use this with a USB Internet connection device - lets me rotate and position for best signal strength. Would also work for a thumb drive on a keychain.