USB Flash Drives
Ok, so last week I featured a few interesting memory devices, but I think I got caught up in the glory of finding such ridiculous items and failed YOU my reader(s).So, to make up for my deplorable actions I am making this as a follow up.
I think it's important to have good memory devices for computer equipment. My reason being - I'd say about 98.9% of the general computer owner population has experienced the "all mighty blue screen of death," or the "infamous black screen of not-booting up doom." And that term paper or news package is due and, "Why oh why couldn’t I have emailed it to myself or just burned the stupid thing to a CD ?"- With a USB Flash Drive- you don’t have to worry about that
So I’m going to give you some tips at what to look for when buying a USB Flash Drive, what not to do, and then give you a look at some good hardworking affordable pieces.
What to Look For
Figure out what it is that you want to do with your portable file storage (do you want to just store a few files or store some files and play music). How many files do you plan on carrying around per week (i.e.: a few documents or 30)? There are drives that can hold: 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1 GB and 2 GB. Obviously the higher in memory you go the more money it costs, but my recommendation would be if you want to hold a gig or two to get an external hard drive- which will be in the next blog.
Know Your Port Speed
Almost all computers built in the last 8 years have USB ports. There are two different kinds of ports, generation 1 and 2. Remember all manufacturers that use USB ports claim their product is super fast, but honestly that isn’t always the truth. Now if you buy a USB Flash drive that says USB 2 and you have a computer that has a USB 1 port- don’t fear they are compatible but the transfer would be a little slow in comparison from a USB 2 to a USB 2. In other words – they work regardless! So smile, and happy transferring.
What’s in that Thing?
Ok so you got this USB Flash Drive that looks super cool and the package says it does a lot, so you think you got more bang for your buck. Beware. Just because the application program will work on your computer (because you loaded it there) does not mean another computer will accept what you have saved on the drive. This kind of feature is only helpful for your own computers.
Oh No, What Did I Do?
Yeah, so you are in a hurry. So is your device. Have some consideration for the poor little guy. Before you remove your USB Flash Drive- remember to stop the device. There are a few ways to stop the device:
1. On the bottom right hand side of your screen, you might see a green arrow. Click this arrow and a window will open asking if you would like to stop the device. Click yes. Then remove.
2. On a Mac you can either click on File and stop the device or on the desktop there will be an icon that says Portable Drive, and you can drag and drop that on the trash bin which will turn in to a Stop button like you would see on a music playing device.
The reason we turn the device off is because it’s constantly working while plugged in. By unplugging it, you give it a kind of stroke. That is a bad thing. Sometimes it will recover from this shock, sometimes it will not and your information is wiped out. So treat it your device kindly, and it will be good to you.
What to Look for:
Affordability and capacity, there are a few great companies out there that will not waste your money, unlike that sushi piece we looked at last week.
Lexar is a great company to start with. They sell devices that are not costly, store well, sturdy and have a portable clip to either attach to a keychain or lanyard.
The Lexar JumpDrive Traveler
This device is great for beginners it is the essence of plug and play. If you can’t get it to work for whatever reason, you can go to the website (www.lexar.com/drivers) and click the link for drivers.
128MB/$35, 256MB/$39, 512MB/$79, 1GB/$119
Now I displayed my PNY Drive in the last blog you can check there for its specs.
Another device I highly recommend is the SanDisk Micro Cruzer Flash Drive and MP3 Companion from SanDisk.
There are some nice features to this device: Skins (colorful covers to make the device standout) and an MP3 player attachment. The website is also handy, because it not only provides product information but drivers, attachments, and other helpful pieces to make your device work at its optimum.
128MB/$40, 256MB/$55, 512MB/$90,1GB/$170 - MP3 attachment $69.99
In the End:
What it all boils down to is what your budget and your work load looks like. If you go to Wal-Mart, Office Depot, Staples or other stores like these, you will be able to find the devices listed above and sometimes at higher discounts.
I hope this has been helpful have fun shopping for your next device!
posted by Jaime @ 5:19 PM
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