Kingston U3 Data Traveler 2GB Flash Drive
January 30, 2008
A new way of computing
Kingston introduces Data Traveler 2GB flash drive especially for travellers who travel to different locations across the country. It can be used along with a PC or Laptop in an office, homes, internet cafe, print shops, hotels and business centre. U3 Data Traveler helps users to access their most confidential and important information such as presentations, database, snapshots, applications and many more from any computer at any place. It is a whole new experience of computing for business travellers. It is an appealing, portable and compact drive with good transfer speed ideal for secured storage. It is a standard 2GB Data Traveler, which comes with 5 years of warranty.
Make any PC your own PC
Kingston U3 2GB Data Traveler Pen Drive is pre-loaded with U3 technology. This technology helps to download and run your desired software applications from the drive without any association with your PC. When you remove the drive it leaves no trace in your host computer so you can run the same downloaded software applications with other computers at any place, thus making any PC your own PC.
U3 Data Traveler has 3 in-built software applications such as RoboForm2Go - password protection management interface, ACDSee - photo management utility, zinio - electronic magazine reader. These utilities give freedom for you to run your own personal U3 workspace by which you can add and remove your applications.
U3 Data Traveler has Launchpad, a starter interface which runs other functions for maintaining your personal U3 workspace such as maintaining storage capacity, monitoring U3 smart drive information & software and changing your setting & preferences etc.
Data storage and security systems
Kingston U3 2GB Flash drive is built in such a way that it protects your data from infringement. It has a recommended password management software. With the help of this software, your data is safely protected in the lustrous case. Data Traveler U3 allows you to create your own password, which restricts access and maintains data privacy.
Specifications
- Comes along with bundled programs.
- It has 2GB storage capacity.
- Compatible with Window 2000, XP.
- It has maximum transfer speed of 6 Mbps
Comparison
- Kingston U3 Data Traveler 2GB does not include file synchronization utility compared to Memorex U3 Smart mini TravelDrive which comes with Migo, a file synchronization application.
- If you need file synchronization application, then go for another model called Kingston Data Traveler Elite U3, which has a whopping storage capacity of 4GB.
Sony 2gb Micro Vault Pen Drive
January 24, 2008
Overview
The Sony 2GB Micro Vault is a USB 2.0 compatible USB Storage Device from Sony. The device looks and feels stylish in black with chrome trimmings and performs really well with high-speed data transfers and has astonishing durability and reliability.
Design
The device really scores on the design front. However it’s not a classic marriage of form and functionality. The USB connector is retractable through a lever in the bottom and with prolonged use tends to become loose and rattles. The connector is left in the open unlike other models which come with a protective cover or a cap. This leaves it susceptible to damage. The case along with the chrome trimming is made up of shiny plastic and is slippery to handle.
Functionality
Sony 2GB Micro Vault Flash drive is a Hi-Speed USB device compatible with both USB 2.0 and 1.1 standard and is Plug and Play enabled. The vault is supported by both Windows and Mac OS and the file transfer speed is good. This pen drive comes with a free space of 1.87GB with an in-built software "Virtual Expander" which can be used to manage the space in the drive and password-protect its contents.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Storage Capacity: 2GB
Interfaces: Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
Compatible Operating Systems: Apple MacOS 9.0 or later, Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP
Software Included: Virtual Expander
This 2GB USB Flash Drive is a quality portable storage device from Sony and like any other Sony devices offers good value for money for the customer. The only let down is the retractable USB connector which becomes loose with usage and the slippery feel of the plastic outer cover.
Lexar JumpDrive Lightning 2GB Pen Drive
January 18, 2008
Overview
Lexar did an impressive job with its 1GB USB drive with its breathtaking looks and lightning fast transfer speeds. So does the performance carry over to its 2 GB drive and does the speed suffer? Well let’s find out.
Design
At the first sight you cannot tell the difference between the 1GB and the 2GB drive. This one too looks stunning in its stainless steel "shine" casing with internal plastic layer. The trademark LED indicator and the cap holder/lanyard hook are retained as well. The 2GB drive has the same dimensions as the 1GB Pen drive from Lexar.
Performance
This USB 2.0 compliant drive uses a Hi-speed USB type, 4-pin connector and "Plug-n-Play" feature ensures that no extra software is required to work. It works fine with the legacy (USB1.1) ports and across a wide range of operating systems.
The 2 GB drive comes with the Power To Go software, which enables you to carry your favorite settings like Wallpapers, themes etc. with you wherever you go. Now you can even install and run windows application from the drive.
The pre-installed Dashboard software gives you three options:
File Sync by which you can sync your files with PC, the Drive Setup option by which you can create password protected secure partitions on the drive and the File Encryption option by which you can encrypt your files using the 256 bit AES encryption standard. The drive also features digital shredder software by which you can securely delete a file so that it cannot be recovered by any software.
Fortunately for us, the guys at Lexar have worked out a compromise between the increased capacity and the speed. This 2GB capacity flash drive has impressive file transfer speeds of 24 MB/sec for reading and 18 MB/sec for writing.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Storage Capacity: 2GB
Interfaces: 1 Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
Compatible OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Encryption: 256 bit AES
Conclusion:
Stunning looks, impressive security and file management features, fast file transfers and a lifetime warranty. Well that is really a very impressive portfolio for a 2GB pen drive.
SanDisk Cruzer Micro 2GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive
January 10, 2008
Overview
Measuring 7.9mm x 18.95mm x 52.2mm (H x W x L). It is one of the smallest 2GB drives in the market and will not definitely cramp you for space. But it does measure up when it comes to performance.
Design
The design with a stylish metal casing enclosed in a clear plastic skin and cap displays a unique style. There is a hook for lanyard, which doubles up as a cap holder while in use. This Sandisck Cruzer 2gb Flash drive comes with a LED indicator to indicate drive activity. The ultra slim profile and dimensions mean that it does not cramp you up for space especially when connecting multiple USB devices simultaneously.
Performance
This Sandisk Cruzer Micro Flash drive is USB2.0 compliant and backwards compatible with USB1.1 ports. With legacy ports, the transfer speed drops considerably to 12 MB/sec from a rated 480 MB/sec for USB 2.0 ports. This drive is compatible with both Macintosh and PC platforms and is plug-and-play enabled. This means that on most systems, extra driver software is not needed to connect the drive. The user can secure his data with the Cruzer Lock 2 software which comes pre-installed with the drive. The user can choose a password and then encrypt the file to make it safe. The other software that come pre-installed with the driver is the trial versions of Cruzer Sync and Pocket Cache. The Cruzer Lock software works on windows only and requires Administrator privileges, which truly is a disadvantage.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Storage Capacity: 2GB
Interfaces: 1 Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
Compatible OS: Windows 2000, XP and Mac OS 9.1.x+, OS X v10.1.2+, Certified Windows XP and Mac OS X
Software: Cruzer Lock 2, Pocket Cache (trial) , Cruzer Sync (trial).
Conclusion
This 2 GB drive is quite deceptive and offers heavy-weight performance, which more than makes up for its size. The file transfer rates are pretty impressive and the Cruzer Lock does provide the necessary security for the files.
