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Flash Drives-Not All Are Created Equal


So you're looking for a Flash drives or as many call them thumb drives? Yes, they are very handy to have at your disposal. However, as I have found, not all flash drives are created equal. If you want a flash drive to work more than once than do some reading before purchasing. Since people are at different stages of their search, I explain what a flash drive is, how it works, and then proceed to what different flash drives have to offer.


What is a Flash Drive

Flash drives are also called thumb drives or USB keys. The flash drive can quickly store and transport small amounts of data. But they can also offer a handy way to back up your data, photos, music or videos. Flash drives come in sizes as small as 1 GB to up to 64 GB. However, you'll probably find that the 8 GB or the 16 GB will give you the capacity you need in most cases, at a reasonable price.


How A Flash Drive Works

A flash drive has to be inserted into a USB port on a computer. The computer's operating system will detect the flash drive and install the necessary drivers that is needed to run the flash drive. Once set up, and the computer is detecting the flash drive, you can begin using your flash drive to store data.

Once you are finished using your flash drive you will need to remove it from the computer (Either the system or the flash drive will tell you when to remove it.)

The internal workings of a flash drive consists of a printed circuit board. These small, portable devices are covered either in plaster or rubber casing, giving it a sturdy foundation.

But most importantly, you'll find the flash drive's large memory storage capabilities are greater than that of a CD or floppy. And, it requires no special training, because most are plug and play.

Now that you know how a flash drive works, what should you consider when choosing a flash drive?


Determining the type of USB Flash Drive

Flash drives have come a long way, and because of it's storage capacity, speed, portability and low power consumption has become one of the most popular storage devices. However, you will need to take a moment to consider which USB flash drive will fit your needs, because yes, there are differences. For example:

1. Sensitive information - If you want to store sensitive information on the drive, you should look for password protection and data encryption capabilities. 

2. Protective cases - If you're rough on drives, you should choose a drive that can handle the physical abuse. For example: the Corsair Flash Voyager offers a water-resistant rubberized case, while the SanDisk Cruzer Titanium is crushproof.

3. Cap or Retractable connector - The chose of a cap or a retractable design is mainly a matter of what the user feels comfortable with. Some do not like the cap because they have a tendency to lose it. The retractable design has no cap, but still, some of the retractable portion is still open to exposure. However, some flash drives are coming out a swivel cap, thus, eliminating the cap but completely covering and protecting the cap. (Imation Swivel Pro is one such example).



Popular Flash Devices Available:

Though not complete, here is a sampling of some of the most popular flash drives on the market:

1. SanDisk Cruzer
2. Verbatium
3. Corsair Flash Voyager
4. Lexar Lightning
5. Transcend JetFlash
6. Crucial Gizmo
7. Imation Swivel Pro
8. PNY Mini Attache
9. Kingston




Product Features

Product features vary from one flash drive to another. Currently the following different product features are available on flash drives:

• Interface Protection includes retractable connector or cap
• Shock Resistant - helps to protect against data loss.
• Water Resistant - drive can be placed in water and still function properly
• ReadyBoost - Is a nice feature. This allows your USB to load information at 80 to 100 times faster than normal.
• LED - is a light indicator that tells you that a file is being read or copied


Included Software


• Sync Tool - Software that allows you to sync two different computers-Such as between a work computer and a home computer.
• Anti-virus
• Encryption
• Password protection
• Virtual Application Platform- Small programs, such as email, password managers, backup applications, etc.