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Looking for a particular USB flash drive, recommendations?

M

Maverick2002

Diamond Member
So, I'm looking to get a new USB flash drive to replace my current 2GB model. I actually have a no-name piece from somewhere in Taiwan, but it's been with me through thick and thin. It's very compact, has (had) a very sturdy clip on cover, and has been dropped, tossed, and spilled on more than I can remember. I carry it around on my keychain and it comes in handy a LOT I want something faster and with more capacity though. Here are my requirements:

- In the 8GB+ range.
- Must be SMALL. Crucial Gizmo comes to mind - could be slightly bigger, pending #3:
- Must either be retractable or have a very sturdy case cover that won't easily get detached & lost.
- Must have a loop so it can fit on a larger loop/fit on a keychain loop.

I use one of these at work: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820134961

It's pretty good with regards to my wants, except 1: it's bulky. I don't mind paying a price premium for the above features, but the problem is I haven't been able to find anything like it. Any suggestions?

Edit: with regards to Newegg, I'm debating between these:

Corsair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820233070
Super Talent: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820609402
Transcend: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820208342
 
Flash drives are flash drives. Yes some are faster then others but other then that there is no real difference. There are hundreds you can choose from. So go with any retractable you want. Only suggestion i would make is not using one like Sandisk that have pre loaded software.
 
Well, I've read about some retractable ones that they become a PITA because the mechanism gets flimsy, and yet on others it breaks. I disagree that "flash drives are flash drives". Depending on your requirements, they are nowhere near the same. I'm currently leaning towards the Corsair one.
 
I agree with you Maverick. I carry my flash drive around on my keychain - but!!! This is the only one I have found that keeps the cap on the keychain - and it is very secure in there. I can slide it out and use it in any computer wherever I am. It is fast, tough, and comes in sizes up to 16GB. I like the 6GB.

Lexar

The Firefly Jumpdrive is the only one I have found that leaves the keeper on the keychain. Too many require the keychain to go with the flash drive to the USB port - a stupid design.
 
I like the SanDisk MicroCruzer, and use them heavily.

SanDisk has a utility on their site that can remove in few seconds every thing that is on the Drive and make it totally empty in case one does not want to use U3 and other software. There is also a utility to reinstall it, if needed.

http://www.sandisk.com/DriverDownload/driverList.asp (down toward the end of the page).
 
The SanDisk Micro Cruzer is a good example of a bad design for a key chain flash drive. The connecting loop is on the drive and the USB connecter retracts. In order tio use it, one has to use the entire keychain to put it in the USB port or remove the drive from the keychain every time. This illustrates the point:

Keys

If the attachment loop is on the other end (as is the case with the SanDisk) then one must connect the entire keychain or fuss around with a split ring to remove the flash drive. This really is an important feature for travelers often overlooked by designers and reviewers.

And, the Egg has it!

Egg

Note user reviewers 2nd para . . .
 
I see what you're saying about the side the loop is on. It hasn't been a problem for me though. I actually wouldn't mind keeping the loop on the same side as the ring because they I won't worry about the top becoming loose and the drive getting lost. I think I might go for the Lexar though.

Next question - is it possible to password-protect a flash drive without getting something proprietary?
 
it is not really Big science.

I have Flash Drives from SanDisk, OCZ, Corsair, Lexar, Memorex, and few more.

They all work.

I hate the ones with the Cap because I lost almost all of the caps.

The SanDisk MicroCruzer is small, Retractable USB plug (so No cap), the activity light is Big and noticeable and it is relatively on the fast side of performance.

The Titanium Edition cost a little more, and it is also more rugged than your regular mainstream plastic.

http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Default.aspx?CatID=1167

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ndisk+titanium&x=0&y=0

However, I will not be offended if other people choose something else.😀
 
The Firefly caps fit very snugly - been using them for a couple of years - travelled all over with 'em - Europe, Africa, and Mexico. Never had the drive slip out of the cap.

I just ordered two 8GB ones from the Egg. Will upgrade my 4 giggers. 🙂

And - yes - you can encrypt data on just about any flash drive.
 
mostly the factors are speed/size. and mostly if you dont want to have to baby it..durability. for most uses i think durability is the number one factor. some really small drives seem like delicate gimmicks. anyways at the 8gb mark its under 20 dollars these days. no biggie if it gets battered. it'll be worthless within a year or two.

as for password..i think true crypt always works.
 
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