The fastest growing group of gadgets in the home, education and corporate environments include USB flash memory drives for data portability and ease of transferring data between various machines or across operating platforms. The USB port, or Universal Serial Bus is now the most popular method of peripheral connection, and is found on most new desktops, towers and notebooks (PC and Macintosh).
Transferring data to and from a USB Flash Drive is achieved simply by inserting it into a spare port connected directly to the computer or via a hub, whereupon it is recognised and ready for use within several seconds. Windows 98 will detect new hardware and require the installation of the appropriate drivers.
Portability has been the key to the success to this exceptional technology -- therefore known as USB Flash Key, Travel Disk, Memory Drive, Pen Drive and Thumb Drive plus many other incarnations. USB Flash Drives are convenient in that they can be "inserted" into a computer, not "installed" through a complex process. On operating platforms such as Windows ME, 2000, XP and Mac OS 8.6 and above the drive self-installs in several seconds. Installation is also plug-and-play and therefore the computer need not be turned off when the drive is plugged in or detached.
General Information and Considerations
When selecting your USB storage device, ensure you select one that is appropriate to your usage requirements, and in most cases this will mean balancing the likely USB capacity and cost. 32MB or 64MB is adequate for transferring a small number of file types such as word, excel etc - however MP3 files, videos, programs etc may mean you would be better off selecting 128MB through to 512MB USB.
All of these devices are USB connected (firewire storage is not at all common with this technology), and therefore you will obviously need to have at least one spare USB port available, and on a laptop that is already connected to other USB devices you may require a USB hub. The USB port supplies all of the power required for operation, therefore additional power via a powered USB hub is generally not be necessary.
Most USB Flash is manufactured using the same or similar components, although not all key drives are created equal. At the core of these devices is the flash controller IC (integrated circuit), which handles data transfer between the USB protocol and the in-built memory chips. It is important that the controller IC be a good quality make to ensure data transfer is fast and error free.
In many instances you will want to take advantage of inserting your USB memory into a USB port located on the front of a desktop or tower, or perhaps in the side of a laptop or keyboard hub. For this reason, be mindful that it will need to physically fit into tight spaces such as these - many designs have a case that is simply too chunky to insert. There is nothing more annoying than not being able to even use your device on a PC that you just need to exchange files with.
A USB extension cable is also a invaluable accessory, so that you can plug into those hard to reach ports on the back of a PC or Mac.
Buying and Usage Tips
Match the capacity to your needs - 32MB or 64MB for low use and simple files such as Word or Excel files, 128MB to 512MB for MP3 and programs.
If you are going to keep a lot of data on your USB flash Drives, such as carrying around your most frequently used programs and data -- choose a capacity of 256MB upwards.
If you are going to transport valuable data, back up just as you would any other storage medium - whilst they are robust, they aren't infallible. Flash drives are prone to electrical corruption just like any other modern memory device.
Choose either USB 1.1 flash or USB 2.0 flash knowing the true transfer rate is not full USB 2.0. Flash Memory is not a fast memory technology and is not "full" USB 2.0 -- it is actually only 5-6 times faster than USB 1.1 with today’s controller chips. This speed increase can make a noticeable difference however, particularly if you run files directly from it, or you transfer data frequently.
Select drives that have a security function if you would like to secure your data - in most instances this will not be available to Macintosh machines as controller manufacturers do not write security software for Mac. Don't lose your password, or you may just have lost your data too.
As a guide, as at November 2003, expect to spend approximately 70-80 cents per MB storage capacity depending on the quality of the drive, approximately 0.5 USD per MB.
Look for a quality unit, many Flash Drives feel like they will fall apart after a only few insertions, you will be extremely disappointed you didn't quite stretch that extra $4-$5 for something twice as good.
Choose only a design that has the key chain attachment or neck strap attachment on the main body. There is nothing more disappointing than reaching down where your valuable drive used to be and finding only your beautiful shiny cap instead.
Helpful Resources
If you're technically inclined, you may be interested in the following:
www.oti.com.tw Manufacturers of USB Controllers, software downloads for OTI controlled devices.
www.prolific.com.tw - for information and downloads related to Prolific controller devices. Security software and reset / recovery software for Prolific IC USB drives.
The USB Drive is certainly an excellent tool that will save you time and money in the medium to long term. Forget floppy disks and start to rethink CD-ROMs because life doesn't get much easier than gaining a new drive letter in a few seconds after inserting your drive. Cut and paste your files or drag-and-drop, then take your data with you for your work or a temporary backup solution after just a few seconds.
These website pages are provided to inform assist users and potential owners of flash drives to make a well informed selection decision, and to assist existing owners to understand how this technology may be used to their advantage. We welcome feedback, suggestions and contributions to this information database.
|
Accessories
