Kingston DataTraveler 100
Recently, I wanted to start backing up and transferring information more quickly, conveniently, and securely than with DVDs or CDs. I decided to give a try to USB flash memory sticks, the so called “thumb drives” that are very lightweight and portable.
At first I picked up an 8GB Kingston DataTraveler 100 for a little over $20 (at exchange rates). Soon afterward I picked up a 2GB model as well, which can be used more for repeated data transfers, so I won’t have to worry as much about the extra write erase cycles or general use/abuse of sticking it in the USB port all the time.
So far, they have worked well. As with most USB devices, the data transfer rate is a bit slow, but it’s fine if you have something else to take care of while larger files or collections are being copied.
These versions do not have caps, rather, the interface that enters the USB port simply pops in and out of the flash drive, with a switch. The 8GB DataTraveler moves very smoothly. On the other hand, the 2GB one seems to be a bit “stuck” and requires more effort to push out or withdraw the interface.
In the future, I may want to try a USB flash drive with a cap, particularly if the drive has a place on the opposite end to hold the cap while the device is in use, similar to sticking a pen’s cap on its other end. Still, that’s a minor thought, unless I were to be constantly using the drive so that the constant pushing of the switch could cause a problem.
One other aspect is the security, should the drive be taken by someone or simply lost. These do not come with built in encryption or password protection. Such types of USB flash drives seem to be relatively quite expensive. Still, there are other security options available, such as TrueCrypt.
The drives haven’t had too much use yet, so things like wear leveling have not come into play. I don’t know how many write/erase cycles these two drives are intended to have, but since the common amount seems to be between 100,000 and 1 million, it doesn’t appear that it will be a factor in this case. Still, I try not to go overboard and use them when it isn’t really worth it. As a substitute for constantly re-using DVD-RW discs, I’m quite satisfied with how these work.