New USB flash drive

[BerksWebGuy]

Looking for some reviews/opinions about whats out there. Going to get either a 256mb or 512mb.

The major manufacturers where PNY, SanDisk, Kingston,and Lexar.

Any suggestions on which manufacturers have good reliability and good transfer rates?

[B&T]

I just use a compact flash card for regular backups or critical files and moving them. Very standard and no fuss. Everyone already has a compact flash reader on their PCs for photos. You can get 1GB for under $100, and even less if you want the older slower ones. IMHO - you want a GB - or you will after you start using it.

[IanS]

Originally Posted by B&T

I just use a compact flash card for regular backups or critical files and moving them. Very standard and no fuss. Everyone already has a compact flash reader on their PCs for photos. You can get 1GB for under $100, and even less if you want the older slower ones. IMHO - you want a GB - or you will after you start using it.

I agree, even if you're going for the Flash Drive, 1GB has to be the best buy - In the UK we can get them for around £70 - which unusually is around the $100 mark. We usually have a £1=$1 exchange rate for computer parts.

[Kermit911]

I have a Kingston 512 and it's GREAT, but I wish I did get 1Gb. It's amazing how fast you use the space when u have something so mobil.

[NMS]

I did not buy it yet .. I am awaiting the 1 Gb sell cheaper and maybe get a wirelss installed in the same drive

[symo]

I have a 1 GB Gizmo from Crucial Technology (the memory guys). Paid $220 for it about six months ago. They are High Speed USB.

Check the web site:

http://www.crucial.com/store/listmfg...drives+storage

The are now selling the 1 GB for $99... go figure

symo

[jayelarex]

I noticed that crucial also has a Refurbished parts section, I would check that out too.

http://www.crucial.com/store/refurb.asp

I use tigerdirect to buy most of of my stuff:

htt://ww.tigerdirect.com

[BerksWebGuy]

I was more concerned about the quality from the manufacturer. I got a PNY, but thinking about the Lexar. Hmmmm...

[B&T]

Originally Posted by BerksWebGuy

I was more concerned about the quality from the manufacturer. I got a PNY, but thinking about the Lexar. Hmmmm...

I have flash from Lexar and SanDisk. Both seem fine. But they come in different access speeds - that is what is important (to me).

[symo]

BWG, as you probably know Crucial is part of Micron who makes memory... lot's of memory. All the products that I have bought from Crucial have been top-notch. This includes at least 5 GB of ram for various desktop machines, memory card readers, SD media and this Gizmo.

Now a trivial point (until you discover it when you try to plug in the device) is the form factor. The Gizmo is the same size as a standard USB Plug, meaning that on a hub, I can stick 4 next to each other into the 4 ports with no problem. A Lexar that I have (which is teardrop shaped) and my two SanDisk drives won't fit into a USB slot if something is pluged in next to it

Another thing to consider is an extension cord. My work machine has no USB ports on the front. If this is your case, the extension sure makes things easier.

jayelarex, I saw the refurbished section, but when it comes to solid state flash drives, I don't know what one could really refurbish I mean I think one would have to really physically abuse the thing to make it need refurbishment. Also the 512 MB (They don't have a 1 GB refurbished) was $62.99 and $54.99 for the new vs refurbished, respectively. For the 8 bucks I think I'd have to go new.

HTH

symo

[mrmagill]

Originally Posted by symo

Also the 512 MB (They don't have a 1 GB refurbished) was $62.99 and $54.99 for the new vs refurbished, respectively. For the 8 bucks I think I'd have to go new. -- symo

Good advice, for sure.

FWIW - WalMart stores bought a TON of 128 MB flash drives for Turkey Day sales - "Impact" brand. Local store and doubtless others are sitting on a huge pile of left-overs, which they're selling out for under $15 until they're gone.

Handy size for toting around a bunch of large powerpoints or the like from my home to my office. And I wouldnt' feel quite so bad about sitting on it and busting this one...