Top Flash Drives

Patriot Memory 32GB Xporter XT Boost USB 2.0 Flash Drive (32 GB - USB - External)

706 Reviews

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	Price: $38.99
	Price: $47.71
	Price: $46.99
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Pros: Durable, Fast transfer speeds, High capacity
Cons: Large size, Cap is easy to lose

Water and shock resistant, the Patriot Xporter XT Boost USB flash drive is more than capable of storing and protecting every user’s photos, music, videos and other important files. It boasts read speeds of above 200x (30MB/s) and requires no drivers for Mac OS 9.x and OS X, Windows ME, 2K and XP and Linux with USB storage support. It is also usable with Windows 7, Windows Vista and Linux 2.4 and later and certified for Microsoft Vista Readyboost so you can speed up your PC. If you want to save as little as 60 minutes of video, 1540 photos and 68 hours and 14 minutes of audio or as large as 720 minutes of video, 12,320 photos and 545 hours and 48 minutes of audio, the different capacities (4GB to 32GB) provide a simple solution to all your storage needs. On the contrary, the somewhat large size of the Xporter XT Boost makes it less ideal for those with cramped workstations and plenty of USB devices as it can easily block the other ports. It also shares the same problem found on any other drive that has a cap. Due to the fact that there's no way to attach it while in use and the cap doesn't stick firmly into the drive, you can lose it easily if you're the type who tends to forget things. The rubber coating has both its cons and pros. It doesn't slide easily on your pocket like sleek drives do but it makes it more durable looking. It even comes with a 5 Year Warranty. Notwithstanding its shortcomings, the Patriot Xporter XT Boost gets a well-deserved thumbs-up for both its reliability and large capacity. In addition to simplifying access to your digital files, it also protects them from drops or other accidents that will render most drives unusable.

Kingston DataTraveler 101 G2 DT101G2/32GBZ 32 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive - Purple (External)

693 Reviews

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	Price: $30.98
	Price: $39.99
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Pros: Swivel design, Compact, Fast transfer speed, Large capacity
Cons: Doesn't include a lanyard, Capacity is not as advertised

Faster transfer speed and massive capacity make the Kingston DataTraveler 101 Generation 2 an all-in-one storage solution. It supports major operating systems like Windows 7, Vista, XP, Mac OS v.10.5.x+ and Linux v.2.6.x+ and boasts a read and write speed of up to 10MB/sec. and 5MB/sec. respectively. The bundled urDrive software makes storing and managing files easier than ever with its simple drag and drop operation. It also allows you to check your drive's capacity, create different folders, make slideshows using the Photo Viewer and listen to your favorite songs through its built-in mp3 player. The swivel design of this USB drive sets it apart from the unattractive and poorly designed models. It is incredibly slim and small enough to put in your pocket. It is also available in bold colors such as red, cyan, purple and black. While it doesn't include a lanyard, you can attach one through the lanyard loop to prevent it from being misplaced. The only drawback is that the actual capacity is a little less than advertised but with capacities ranging from 4GB to 32GB, the Kingston DataTraveler 101 Generation 2 USB drive provides an easy way to store and share all your pictures, videos and music. It gives you peace of mind knowing that you're files are safe and it makes all the data you need available at your fingertips.

Kingston DataTraveler G3 DTIG3/32GBZ 32 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive - White Red (External)

149 Reviews

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	Price: $29.99
	Price: $45.98
	Price: $32.95
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Pros: Affordable, Comes in a variety of capacities and colors, Reliable, Fast data transfer rates, Can be used to boost memory
Cons: Cap is hard to remove, Rear keyring is small and flimsy

Flash memory drives produced by Kingston have always been well received, and the new Kingston DataTraveler G3 Flash Drive promises the same quality and reliability that has made the brand a trusted one in the field of data storage. This handy and affordable USB thumb drive comes in a number of different capacities to fit your needs, and as a nice touch, the capacities are color-coded, making it easy to tell them apart if you own a number of them. Transfer rates are also pretty good, reaching a speed of up to 10MB/s. That high data transfer rate makes this flash drive a good bet if you need to transfer large files like videos, music or high-resolution graphics, as it cuts down on the waiting time needed to copy over your media. You can even use it on certain operating systems as a means of adding memory for better performance. The DataTraveler G3 shares a few design sensibilities with the earlier models in the line, such as having sections of color against a white shell but it is more ergonomic than the previous ones, with the sides slightly curving outward and the cap being curved instead of being straight. Speaking of the cap, the one on this model also seems to snap on much more tightly, no doubt as a precaution against losing it. However, some reviewers noted that the cap can be too tight and difficult to remove. It could've been a lot more convenient if there's a way to have the cap latch onto the flash drive or if there are replacement caps provided. Lastly, the keyring at the rear of the Kingston DataTraveler G3 allows you to keep it close at hand but it is too small and is somewhat flimsy.

Crucial 8GB Gizmo! USB2.0 Flash Drive (8 GB - USB - External)

161 Reviews

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	Price: $14.99
	Price: $17.79
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Pros: Reliable, Speedy
Cons: Awkward position of activity light, Cap doesn't snap onto the end

The Crucial Gizmo is great for carrying files around. It works like a charm and is proven to be very reliable. With its large storage space, you can store or back-up important documents, old and recent photos, your favorite playlists and videos to keep or share with your family, friends, and co-workers. Others find its transfer rate to be significantly faster than other flash drives and most users love its fairly robust construction and simple design. Its cap doesn't snap onto the end of the device but it can easily be attached to a key ring or a lanyard and it also fits tightly so you don't have to worry about losing it. The blue LED activity light is also a nice touch for checking the status of the file transfer. However, it should be repositioned and placed on the end so that it can easily be seen whether on top or bottom. This USB 2.0 Flash Drive is available in 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities and is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X and later versions. You can skip all the hassle because it doesn't require any drivers to be installed, as it supports Plug N' Play for quick operation. Another good thing is that it doesn't come pre-installed with any fancy and annoying software. In terms of its quality and portability, the Crucial Gizmo is a decent choice. It is very compact and its price is pretty reasonable for a drive that performs and feels solid.

PNY HP USB 16GB FLASH DRIVE

154 Reviews

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	Price: $35.99
	Price: $17.99
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Pros: Large capacities, Metal shell, Has cap that attaches to back end for storage
Cons: Slower transfer speeds

The USB flash memory drive has undoubtedly become an icon of the Internet Age. Its small size and huge capacity for storing data securely, not to mention easily accessed from any device having a functional USB port embodies the philosophy of the portable information movement that drives the World Wide Web. Hewlett-Packard (HP) places itself at the forefront of this movement by releasing the 125w, a flash drive touted to be "the ultimate mobile storage solution." Slimmer and smaller than most drives, it easily passes through the usual tangle of wires at the back of every PC. The body is made from metal, likely an aluminum alloy that increases its durability, especially when compared to other flash drives which are usually made from plastic. This storage device is a cap-type USB drive rather than a retractable one, so there's no fear of dirt or foreign materials getting into the USB jack opening and messing up the contacts. A nice touch is that the cap fits on the back of the drive like a pen cap. This is perfect for people who tend to misplace small items like that. It would be better though if it had some way to be permanently connected to the drive's shell. A tiny read/write indicator light under the housing flashes when the drive is inserted into a computer. Access speeds are lower than average though, considering that it is USB 2.0 compliant which has a max data transfer rate of 40 Megabytes a second. This may become an issue when storing and moving large-sized files. However, if transfer speed is not an issue or no large-sized files are to be moved then HP's 125w is clearly a competitive choice. It is usable on the three major OS platforms: Windows, Mac OS and Linux given its FAT32 file system and available in different capacities ranging from 2GB to 32GB. If you find yourself needing more, you can also purchase a 2- or 3-pack.

LACIE iamaKey 131106 16 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive (External)

89 Reviews

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	Price: $32.50
Microsoft Store	Price: $49.99
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Pros: Unique design, Solid construction, Great size, Above average transfer speed
Cons: Plastic cap, Thin USB connector, Pricey

Although more expensive, the LaCie iamaKey outstyles other flash drives. One look and you'll quickly understand why it is named as such. Its one-of-a-kind design and great size, strikingly similar to an actual key, make transporting important documents, photos and music more fun than ever. Constructed with a metal body and a scratch- and water-resistant connector, it is definitely solid as a rock. It also attaches easily to your key ring, making it hard to lose. Speed is above average at up to 480Mb/s, but not the fastest. As an added bonus, the flash drive comes with a One-year Secure online storage with Wuala and LaCie Private-Public encryption software which provides total protection for your critical files, all without breaking a sweat. Furthermore, it is covered with a 2-Year Limited Warranty and also offers seamless connection with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 as well as Mac OS X 10.5-10.6. Weighing just about 14 g or 0.49 oz. and measuring 24 x 57 x 3 mm or 0.9 x 2.2 x 0.1 in., it fits easily in your pouch, pocket or just about anywhere. In fact, it is one of the thinnest drives available today. However, being thin has its own disadvantages. In this case, for example, when inserted to your computer's USB port, you should be very careful as it doesn't provide the tightest fit. Accidentally touching the drive causes it to lose connection. Also, if not properly taken care of, there can be risks of damage to the connector. The cap included with the drive is made of plastic, making it seem more like an add-on accessory and unfit to the sturdiness of the drive. For the price, we expected something more solid looking. Nonetheless, the different capacities (4GB, 8GB and 16GB) combined with the unique design and reliability of the LaCie iamaKey make it perfect for packing up both your personal and business files.