Which USB (flash) drive should I get?

Hey all, I'd like to know which brand USB stick (flash drive?) do you recommend that I get? I've never owned one, so I know nothing about them. I obviously want a high-quality stick that's reliable and I need one that holds 4GB.

Also, what do you guys use your USB sticks for?

Thanks...

 

I have a drawer full of them now. Some thoughts:

. Always think about what could happen to your data if you lose the thing. When travelling, I use one with a fingerprint identication reader built-in;
. If going to many different sites, make sure it does not demand USB 2.0 only
. Make sure the device is not oddly shaped and as convenient as possible. I have several that cannot plug into many notebooks because of their shape. They cannot fit in the narrow space allowed for a USB cable.
. Make sure the device protects itself, and without removable parts. I assure you that you will lose the removable protective cap. You cannot lose a protective cap that is not removable and slides out of the way.
. I prefer non-U3 standard devices. U-3 cannot be justified as other than limiting your use of the device and as adware (my opinion). See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive for a kinder view of the issue.
. There are very few flash drive memory manufacturers. Subsequently, the internals of expensive and cheap USB pen drive devices are not very different. So your product choices should focus on the security, connector protection features, and versatility. It is not surprising that the pricier ones show this attention to design.
. There is no "industry standard" for these devices, and no clear market leader. My overall favorite to date has been Sony, but it fails most of the requirements above. The removable cap is attached to my keychain, so I cannot lose that part of it. My keys and pocket change have scratched the case and it is nicked in parts, but it just keeps working. Sony, SanDisk and Lexar devices have survived in "My daughter's backpack survival test." Many have not. None to date have survived my son's "I left it in my jeans pocket and they got washed" test.
. Summary: You do not have to buy the most expensive one, but this is not a good decision to make solely on price. Nor size. They are not that big, but the ones that try to be cute and cut the size of the device often cannot plug into many ports with adjacent cables.

I can recommend SanDisk, Lexar and Sony, but I am sure there are other good brands. These three are the market leaders to date. You will want to be concerned about Warranties with this item.

 

Thanks so much Bill for the detailed response. I found what I think is a really good deal on a 4GB from Transcend. I've never heard of the company, but as you mentioned, it says it comes with all kinds of security features and software. Here's a link to it. I'd love to hear your opinion on it as to whether or not I should go ahead and order it. It's only $45 for a 4GB one, but I'd rather pay more if this is too good a deal to be true. Thanks again very much!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-4GB...s_4/105-2666982-1400461?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

 

Here's another link (cnet). It looks to be a compact design, but no reviews...??? Thanks again...

http://reviews.cnet.com/Transcend_J..._drive_4_GB/4507-3240_7-32214820.html?tag=nav

 

It seems fine.

As a test, try to reach Tech Support.

 

Cool, I'll order it then. I just read two reviews on the SanDisk Cruzer as well as another one from SanDisk and they got some really bad user reviews for some reason. I just ordered a 2GB SanDisk miniSD for my Treo 750, which seems to be top notch. Supposedly, the Transcend flash drive comes with a Lifetime warranty. Hmmm...I do wonder, though, why both on amazon as well as cnet, there is not a single user review to be found.

The product itself SOUNDS very good on both sites with all the security features, including and the "Secret Zip" function and the password protection, email login (whatever that means) and a few other features. I am not sure I need all of that. What I need is a RELIABLE drive.

I bought a 2GB flash drive for my dad for Christmas and it performs just fine (so far). I forget the brand name. That one came without any software, just the stick, whereas the Transcend one comes with software as well as the above mentioned. It also appears to be nice and compact, which you referred to as an important point in your initial response.

To your knowledge, since you said you had a drawer full of them, are the cheaper ones more prone to errors? Or are all USB drives pretty much created equal as far as that's concerned? Thanks again!!!

 

Hello CrunchDude,

The connectors tend to be fragile and I would recommend getting a short USB cable or long cable if the USB port is on the back of the Computer. Use the cable to connect/disconnect, the cable ends are sturdier and will stand up to be being pushed/pulled a lot longer.

Regards - Charles

 

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/computers/usb-flash-drives/review.html

 

The Rolls-Royce of flash drives are the Sandisk Cruzers - hence the very high price.

Two other very good makes are the Corsair Voyagers and the OCZ Rallys.

I personally use a 1GB OCZ Rally that is currently going for ~$24.

Usually if you stick with these top-tier models/brands, you end up with very fast transfer speeds.

And I haven't lost my cap yet!

 

I use Kingston and Transcend no problems yet.

hawk22

 

I use Corsair Memory Flash Voyager, which just released a 16 GB model.