Total Recall in a Flash (Amacom USB 2.0 Flash Key 4 GB)

Member Name: Zmugzy

Product:	Amacom USB 2.0 Flash Key 4 GB
Date:	16/09/09 (121 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy and handy to use

Disadvantages: Easy to lose

This 4 GB Amacom USB 2.0 Flash Key is a very useful gadget to have around as it allows you to store small amounts of digital data in a portable format. These Flash Keys allow the exchange of information between computerised systems and make use of the functional USB port on a computer. This 4 GB Amacom flash key is a useful means of securely storing, sharing and transporting your data. What's more, it allows you to utilise onboard software to enable you to have two levels of security. A simple password facility enables part of your data to be hidden from prying eyes and a what they call a DataLock uses encryption to allow you to encrypt your sensitive data at either folder or file level. A master password feature is available in case of forgotten passwords. I do admit that I never concern myself with all the password stuff as I only use it around the house.

I find the 4 GB Amacom USB 2.0 most useful for storing folders stuffed with word documents that need transporting between devices. For example, whenever I finish writing my Dooyoo reviews on my laptop in my local Café Nero I copy them onto my Amacom and then at a later date upload the files to my home computer. This Amacom 4 GB flash key is so easy to use, just plug it in to your USB port and it will go into automatic set up - there is no need for any cables or adapters. You can also use such devices as a simple means to share presentations, digital photos, video and MP3s with colleagues and friends or to carry files between work and home. I steer clear of using flash keys for long term storage because as I always advise, long term back-up data should be stored on CDs or external hard drives.

I was surprised to see some poor reviews for this device on Amazon stating that there have been reliability issues. I have had no problems with the device I bought. The transfer rate of 5MB per second is more than sufficient for my usage
The 4 GB Amacom Flash Key is not exactly the latest device on the market. You can now easily find compact storage devices that store anything between 8GB to 32GB of data at competitive prices. It's possible that 4GB devices might soon become obsolete, especially when you consider the more compact Sand disk flash cards that are now growing in popularity. But flash drives still have there advantages. One is the fact that they keep you disciplined as to the amount of data you carry around. As we have seen with the huge data losses from government departments, it is never a good idea to carry around large amounts of personal data. You should of course always have more than one copy of any data you store.

Like most technology, a data storage device will eventually become useless through wear and tear or be replaced by something more efficient and powerful. As they are still relatively new pieces of technology it is still difficult to judge how long they will last on average. Some manufacturers claim a lifespan of ten years others guarantee just two or three years - it all depends how often you use it of course. I would argue that you are more likely to lose one before it wears out or before some other new piece of technology will come along and replace it. Amacom storage devices come in a range of capacities and designs. I have seen this 4 GB key available online at Amazon for £34. This is way over priced in my opinion - I bought mine at a computer fair for less than a tenner.

Summary: A handy 4 GB Flash key