Best USB Thumb Drive!

[kjv1611]

Okay, certainly many or all the people on THIS forum know what one is, and have used one or many by now.

I've been wanting to start a thread on this for some time, but just never got around to it.

Here's the thought: Tell what one (or few) thumb drive(s) you think is/are the best, and tell why. If possible, include some numbers - size, speed type stuff. If you can measure your read/write speed with an application such as Windows Vista's default explorer file transfer/copy prompt or the program, TeraCopy (which I've grown to love, even more with their latest release a month or so ago), or FreeCommander has something similar as well, I think.

Or if you can use HDTach or something similar, that'd be great.

I'll try to post some numbers on a handful of thumb drives I now own later on if I can. But before I do, I'll say that my new favorite is the Patriot XPorter XT Boost 32GB - I'm sure the smaller variants are fast as well. NewEgg has it relatively cheap right now.

From memory for now:
Patriot Xporter XT Boost 32GB
[ul][li]Write Times: (I think is the most telling factor, now, for thumb drives, since it's the slowest)
[ul][li]Small Files, Minimum = 8 or 9 MB/sec[/li]
[li]Large Files, Minimum = 11 or 12 MB/sec[/li]
[li]Large Files, Fastest = 15 or 16 MB/sec (at least, I can't remember for sure if saw higher, but I'll check.[/li][/ul][/li]
[li]Read Times:
[ul][li]Small Files, Slowest = 20MB/sec - if I remember correctly.[/li]
[li]Large Files, Fastest = 33 MB/sec[/li]
[/ul][/li][/ul]

In my opinion, this is flat out the BEST thumb drive now. There are a couple of CONS so far that I have just recently noticed (had read about them before, but just noticed myself):
[ol][li]Will not work on really old computers - I think it has something to do with the power draw, maybe it's all USB 1.1, or maybe it's just older computers, I'm not sure.[/li]
[li]Cannot transfer files larger than 4GB, as that is the max for FAT32 apparently. I tried formatting in NTFS just to see with Windows Vista, but Vista wouldn't go through the formatting for some reason.[/LI]

For me, at least, neither of those cons is a big deal. For the older computers, I can use a network connection or just one of the smaller older thumb drives. For the file size issue, really, when it's that big, you ought to use an eSata external hard drive if possible, or at least a standard USB hard drive instead of a thumb drive.

As for the others, here are a few I'll try to post for:
[ul][li]Corsair Flash Voyager 2GB (non-GT version)[/li]
[li]Corsair Flash Voyager 8GB (non-GT version - is currently away, fulfilling an RMA, as it seemed to be going bad)[/li]
[li]Kingston DataTraveler (I think), 512MB[/li]
[li]"Privacy Drive", 1GB - is a generic drive, if I remember correctly.[/li]
[li]Verbatim, Red, 512MB[/li][/ul]

The last 3 are anything but impressive, but I thought they might also give some base for comparison, b/c I think they are about equal to the "typical" thumb drive.

I will say that the Lexar JumpDrive Secure drives also seem faster than I would expect. I don't know if they are made any longer, but I've had 2 (I think) in the past - 512MB and 1GB. I sold or gave them away at some point - when flash drives were actually worth something. [WINK] They weren't as fast as the Voyager or the Xporter, though - just faster than the "average" drive.

So, any other thoughts so far?

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[kjv1611]

I do have one other thought to post that I didn't include in the original post. I personally thought it might be a good idea for someone to start manufacturing eSata Flash "thumb" drives as well, to take advantage of the speed difference in the interface. Well, apparently, I wasn't the first person to think of it:

http://www.tweaktown.com/news/10098/portable_flash_drive_gets_esata_connector/index.html

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_dm...sb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=Ao-LAB&_osacat=0

I thought about trying one of those, but I guess I didn't want to be a "beta tester" on such an item, in case it didn't work out. The thing I like (and also thought of before I saw it) is that it includes both eSata and USB connections, so you can still use it on computers with no eSata connection.

And of course, the good news for eSata is that the manufacturers and/or whatever commission are actively working on (if not completed) a revision of eSata which can provide power along the eSata connection, thus removing the requirement for attached devices to have an external power source (AC adapter):

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9850343-1.html

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/sata-io-cranks-up-power-over-esata-initiative-not-a-moment-too/

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[goombawaho]

Remember this. No matter how good/fast a thumb drive is, it's not as reliable as a CD or a hard drive. If you drop it in a puddle or step on it, it's probably toast.

I liken them to floppy disks of days gone by. Don't ever keep a single copy of your data on one these devices. They just aren't as reliable as people WANT them to be.

Portable - Yes, Convenient - Yes, Portable - Yes Ultimate backup - Nope.

 

[kjv1611]

Ultimate backup - no, but really, there is none I would call the ultimte:
[ul][li]Hard drives fail, b/c of moving parts[/li]
[li]CDs/DVDs are easily broken/scratched beyond readbility (especially if you've got a toddler within reach.) - Also, optical disks have been shown to not hold up near as well as people originally thought they would.[/li]
[li]Any sort of flash memory - it can fail, though not any more likely than a hard drive - depends upon specific model comparrisons of each.[/li][/ul]

As far as something like a water puddle, many of the thumb/flash drives made now wouldn't be affected. The one I mentioned as well as the Corsair Voyagers and Survivors all have protection against moisture. I've not read much about the Xporter with that, but it is made the same or about the same as the Voyager (physically), and all sorts of crazy tests have been run on Voyagers, and they typically pass with flying colors.

I do agree, however, that a thumb drive's main deisgned purpose is data transportation, not as a true backup. A real backup drive/device is not really geared towards being tossed in your pocket on your way out the door.

I will give one word of caution based on experience. I know for a fact that if you continually put a Voyager in your pocket (if you're as rough on things as I apparently am), you'll eventually wear out or break the soldered connection between the USB connector and the flash memory. You can't see it without cutting away the rubber, but there are people who have done this and posted pictures online. That is the one weak point of that particular construction. I only hope the Xporter doesn't have the same design!

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[Sympology]

I agree,(domestic) Flash drives are designed as a convienent way to transport data. That's it. It's not a back up (tape proberbly the best portable medium), it's not long term storage and it's certainly not a replacement drive.

CD's were really designed as WORM media, RW was a latter edition and I can confirm that after 20 years, some of my Audio CD's are starting to fail and these are a lot better made than modern ones (using the daylight test), so I'd be suprised if RW last this long, lets face it a sunny day can kill a CD.

Just remember you drives have a limited R/W, much lower than a HDD.

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004

 

[goombawaho]

The only reason I made my reply was that people have this sense of "ok, I have backed up onto a CD/thumb drive/whatever and now I'm done worrying about my data".

Dumb. Data can go bye bye in so many ways it's crazy easy to lose your data.

 

[Sympology]

That said, my favourite thumb drive "Corporate Freebie"



Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004

 

[kjv1611]

Yeah, Free anything is good, right?
Well, I suppose there are some exceptions...

I really don't want a cold, even though it's free.

I really don't want a stomach virus, even tough it's free.

[ROFL2]

So, does nobody around here use any of the "good" thumb drives - performance-wise?

Anybody have any they use regularly as a USB boot-disk OS type deal for scanning/fixing PCs?


--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[JimInKS]

Also, see malware on those "free" drives sometimes.

I just bought some of these for cheap, don't care much about the performance, but look like solid reliable drives...

A-DATA 2GB Flash Drive (USB2.0 Portable) Model S701

Solid metal case, looks pretty indestructible case wise.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211253

 

[kjv1611]

Adata seems to make pretty decent stuff in general.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[wahnula]

I have read review after review and the Corsair Flash Voyager has won its share of read/write tests. I have two of the 8-GB versions and see now they have a 64GB (64GB!!!) version available for under $200.

Good drives, but the exterior sponge-rubber material picks up linty stuff and the cap is separate and lose-able, but I've managed to keep track of mine and have no problems with their performance.

Just a few years ago an 8GB flash drive cost over $1,000... it's wonderful to see this technology mature and become available to the masses...but with this availability also comes quality-reduction issues, so I would stay away from non-name-branded stuff.

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[Sympology]

Got a Freecom 2gb one the other day. Have to say the USB connection is poor, quite a bit of play in it, so I'd aviod this is your on the move whilst using it.
Transfer speed seems pretty average.

Most people spend their time on the "urgent" rather than on the "important."

 

[MDXer]

Remember this. No matter how good/fast a thumb drive is, it's not as reliable as a CD or a hard drive. If you drop it in a puddle or step on it, it's probably toast.

I have a SanDisk Titanium Cruzer U3 Drive, which I had left in my pocket, my wife accidently put it through both the washer and dryer. Plugged it in and it was still working without any problems.

Paul
---------------------------------------
Shoot Me! Shoot Me NOW!!!
- Daffy Duck

 

[Sympology]

And not many HDD like being fropped in puddles (or even dropped)

Most people spend their time on the "urgent" rather than on the "important."

 

[ArizonaGeek]

That said, my favourite thumb drive "Corporate Freebie"

I came in to say this.

As far as dropping a USB key in a puddle, there are rugged keys that are water proof. Usually about $10 more expensive than a non-waterproof key.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!

 

[kjv1611]

Just thought I'd post a follow-up on the thumb drive speed comparisons:

Just got my replacement Corsair Voyager 8GB drive yesterday, and tested the speeds (just manual transfers - didn't do HDTach this time):

Read = something like 15 MB/Sec max
Write = Min 5 MB/Sec, Max 9.3MB/sec.

Honestly, I used to think that thing was pretty fast, but it really is no comparison for the Patriot XPorter XT Boost! Although, that thing does have a long name.

One thing I will give the Corsair Voyager is I much prefer their default icon which I always set to the icon for that thumb drive.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[xwb]

There are rugged ones and encrypted ones. Our corporate encrypted ones cost £85 for a 2Gb stick. In the local supermarket, I can get one for about £10!

I've been using an 8Gb stick for the last 2 years. Generic Dabs brand. Has some problems on hubs on laptops. It will connect directly but there isn't enough power in a hub. The 1Gb and 2Gb sticks don't have a problem through the hub. It is still quite slow compared to portable drives. Absolutely fantastic for transferring ghost images from machines without a network connection.

 

[Sympology]

Our corporate encrypted ones cost £85 for a 2Gb stick

Can I sell you some drives? I'll buy some cheap ones and stick Trucrypt on!

Most people spend their time on the "urgent" rather than on the "important."

 

[xwb]

It is just inter-departmental money. I don't think any real money changes hands.

 

[Sympology]

Can I recommend this (not spyware / virus tested so use at own risk)

It is a HP utility that allows you to remove and repartition USB drives.

Had to use it to recover a USB drive I stuck Linux on and Windows refused to see the partition when I went to reformat.

http://files.filefront.com/SP27608exe/;9868201;/fileinfo.html

Most people spend their time on the "urgent" rather than on the "important."