USB Pen Drives

[GregMal]

Anyone have any experience with Pen Drives???
Looking for a cheap/easy way to move a number of files
between PCs that don't have CDRom/RW or networking.
Not really interested in Iomega solutions............
Greg

 

[bacillus]

for what it's worth, if you have a digital camera, you couid transfer files by copying them onto the memory stick.
I sometimes transfer stuff this way.

 

[Viper GTS]

A USB CF reader + a 256 MB CF card might be cheaper if you really want to go the route of solid state storage...

Pen drives are expensive when you get into any decent capacity.

Viper GTS

 

[PG]

This will get the job done real cheap, but it's not as portable as a pen drive.

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=4MB-EXT-KIT

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: PG
This will get the job done real cheap, but it's not as portable as a pen drive.

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=4MB-EXT-KIT

Even better, especially if you already have a HD around & can just grab an enclosure.

Viper GTS

 

[corkyg]

Not sure what a "pen" drive is. If you mean those little one-piece gizmos that plug directly into a USB port - I have two of them. Sony Microvaults. One is 32 MB and the other 128 MB. I use them all the time. I also use SmartMedia between machines that have reader/writers. It is very easy in XP - no drivers needed. In 98 you have to install drivers first.

Most of all call those USB devices "key" drives.

 

[cavingjan]

You could also try a cruzer (I think its by Sandisk) which is more or else a small SD card holder that you can rather clumsily change the card inside. Dazzle makes a Rio which is similar except it is a small CF reader that is a little easier to change. Simpltech makes something similar and also comes with a little usb cable extender for the same price.
The pendrives look nice but not very cost efficient. The cruzer seem to be the next best thing that is reasonable in price. Although I personally would opt for a CF reader since I have a bunch of CF cards already.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: corky-g
Not sure what a "pen" drive is....Most of all call those USB devices "key" drives.

There is a company called Pen Drive and I happen to have their 128MB model. It comes in very handy and is convenient to carry around your neck.

 

[Crank]

If size is an important factor, then a Pen Drive type device can't be beat. If size isn't important, then do what I did - I bought the Dazzle 6 in 1 memory card reader/writer - compatible with every type of removable media out there right now. It's small, doesn't need drivers under WinXP (Win 2K will auto recognize the CF drive, but not the SM/MMC/Memstick one), and since it uses removable media, it's very expandable.
And if you already have a digital camera, it'll transfer the files easier and faster than whatever software you got with your camera.

 

[GregMal]

OK...If I go with a CF card (or similar) and reader, which you you use
(cost and vendor) and recommend???
Greg

 

[John]

Originally posted by: GregMal
OK...If I go with a CF card (or similar) and reader, which you you use
(cost and vendor) and recommend???
Greg

Viking & Kingston are solid choices.

 

[GregMal]

No, No....Any brandname media will be OK......
What CF/SM readers are popular/inexpensive.......
Greg

 

[thorin]

Check these reviews and these reviews for some good USB Keychain/Pen Drive solutions.

DiskOnKey has the nice added feature of encrypting the device (except for a few KB taken up for the encryption tool).

Thorin

 

[Crank]

GregMal,
When I bought mine, the best choice by far was the Dazzle 6 in 1 - there was a rebate at the time that made it nice and cheap. No deals as good at the moment, though in the HD forum there is a deal at Circuit City for this reader, Link-o-matic.
Newegg has a 6 in 1 reader that is similar in functionality and isn't quite as expensive, if memory serves.

If you KNOW you're only going to use one type of removable media, then you can get a reader for that one type which should be cheaper and smaller, but of course, you lose flexibility. BTW, Staples. OfficeMax, et. al. periodically have deals where you get a free reader if you buy an overpriced removable media - might be worth waiting for if you have time.