Having previously bought the 2GB version and recently annoyed at SanDisk Cruzer, I decided to go for the 8GB version from Play.com

Firstly it is a capped device so its waterproof - I know this may sound funny, but there was a time when I had left my previous flash disk with my clothes in the wash - and it worked. I have no desire to repeat that accidental experiment again, but it shows the robust build quality of this Play.com branded disk. Like the 2GB version it feels sturdy and rugged enough to leave around in your pocket.

Why should one get 8GB instead of 16GB? That is a good question, firstly you must look at the price. This is almost 1/2 the price and half the size. The answer lies in how you intend to use it. 8GB can hold 2 DVD size ISOs or movies. More often than not I use flash drives to create boot disks for operating systesms. However, you can pretty much now run a full operating system and save documents on this device without cause for concern. I have tried it with the latest Ubuntu Lucid Lynx build and it basically allows me to have a secure operating system on the go wherever I go.

Major advantage of having your own OS on the go is that you can carry out banking or other risk activities without comprimising your security.

Thats one secnario, the other scenario is of course to transfer files and the speed is as could be expected from a USB 2.0 device; its fast. It also functions as ReadyBoost but that is a Windows feature I am not so keen on.

So if like me you want an 8GB storage drive for your very own OS on the go - look no further than this Play.com drive for only £5.99.