| Product: |
Kingston DataTraveler Co-Logo Program 2 GB |
| Date: |
29/03/08 (31 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Simple, convenient and practical.
Disadvantages: Small size may mean misplacing it.
Flash memory was invented in the early 1980s by Toshiba as a new technology that allowed data to be stored even when the device was disconnected from a computer. Today flash memory is the preferred storage media for many industry and consumer devices.
I would be lost without my Kingston Data Traveler flash drive pen! I am a student at university and this pen has been the most hard wearing out of the previous 2 i have owned.
Capacities available:
I have the 2GB version but this pen also comes in 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities. However some of the device's capacity is used for formatting and so is not available for storage use. When a device such as this is manufactured, certain steps are taken to ensure that it will work effectively and to ensure that the drive will connect with the required host (MP3 player, digital camera, computer etc). Some of the memory cells used in this device are stored as "spares" in case any other cells fail over time. Kingston Data travelers have controllers that automatically block out "bad memory" and move the data to other parts of the device in order to prevent corruption of the data stored. This enables the Kingston Data Traveler USB flash drive to have a long but finite life (approximately 10 years with normal use)! Even if the device you have is faulty in any way, Kingston deliver a 5 year Guarantee with this product so it is easy to replace should the pen have defects.
Size and Design:
The Kingston pen drive is small, compact and extremely easy to carry around. In fact there is a small "handle" on the end of the pen where you can attach it to your key ring, however, if this is not to your liking it also has a little string loop attached to it which you may prefer to put on your key ring instead. Its approximately 2 1/2 inches long and less than an inch wide....so very small as you can imagine. Unfortunately if you do not have the pen attached about your person, it can be very easy to misplace so do make sure you store it somewhere noticeable!
The main body of the pen is white but there is a strip of colour (available in green, lilac, black or grey depending on the capacity) down the centre with a corresponding "handle" and ribbed grip down the side. The ribbed side is great for stabilizing the pen when inserting and removing it into/from a USB port. There is also a cap to cover the connector as you can see in the photo above. This is really handy for protecting the connector and gives you peace of mind knowing that it is free from dust, dirt and damage. The connectors are actually rated for over 10,000 insertions anyway but it is always comforting to know that the pen is further protected.
Reliability and ease of use:
As with most people who carry around a pen drive in their pocket, the inevitable happens.....THE WASHING MACHINE! I too decided to "wash" my Kingston flash drive but much to my surprise and relief it still worked when i tried it in my computer. Plus all the files that i had stored on there were still complete and unaffected.......this little pen drive truly is a warrior to all weather!
It is also very easy to use. I have never experienced a problem with this pen and i have had mine for almost 2 years now.
As for ease of use, you literally plug the pen in and away you go! As i explained in the design section above, there are even features of the pen that makes insertion into a port easier!
Speed:
It is very quick to save files onto the flash drive. I have saved approximately 4 or 5 files at the same time by dragging from my documents into the Flash Drive window and it has only taken about 20 or 30 seconds to save them. Another good point to make about the Kingston flash drive pen is that when you insert the pen into your computer, within about a minute a window pops up to show you what is on the device, enabling instant access to saved items.
One thing to note though, it can sometimes be a little slow when saving items of 10MB or more, it doesn't take a great deal of time but it is slower.
Value for money and where to purchase:
For the capacity of the pen, reliability and ease of use i would have to say that this pen is extremely good value for money. I paid about £14 for mine off an amazon seller but they are much cheaper now.
Prices as of 29th March 2008:
www.memorybits.co.uk - 2GB - £7.43
www.amazon.co.uk - 2GB - £5.49
www.dvd.co.uk - 2GB - £4.99
www.mymemory.co.uk - 2GB triple pack - £16.99
Summary: Compact, easy to use, reliable, great value for money, hard wearing flash drive pen.
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