Flash Devices

Flash Drives and Readers

If you travel frequently on business, or own a digital camera, PDA or wireless phone you probably already are taking advantage of the

 flexibility, portability and power of "moveable", "removable" Flash Memory storage technologies.  If you aren't already using Flash Memory, we encourage you begin.  Carrying presentations, images, documents and other data on a VERY small form factor, or on a key chain can make lugging an external hard disk drive or even a laptop around with you a thing of the past. 

What is Flash Memory?  Flash Memory is nonvolatile memory that can be erased and re-written in blocks.  It was originally designed for use in the BIOS of your computer (where it can be changed or updated when required), but now is used a small form factor, flexible storage device for cameras, PDAs, laptops and all sorts of imaging and computing devices.  Basically Flash Memory comes in 9 types:

• CompactFlash (CF) Type I/II - developed by SanDisk in 1994, CompactFlash is based on PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) specifications and store up to 1GB of data.  CF cards are approximately 1.7"x1.4" and come in two thicknesses- Type I CF cards are 3.3mm thick, Type II cards are 5.5mm.  They are highly shock resistant and are designed to survive a drop from a height of 10 feet.
• IBM Microdrive - the size if a Type II CF card, IBM Microdrives hit the market in 1999 and store up to 1GB of data.  IBM Microdrives use hard disk drive technology to store data.
• Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo - developed by Sony, original memory sticks are about the size of an AA battery (rolled out flat) and can store up to 256MB of data.  Newer Memory Stick Pro products store up to 1GB of images or data.
• MultiMedia Card (MMC) - jointly developed by SanDisk and Siemens.  MMC cards are the size of a stamp and weigh 2 grams.  MMC cards store up to 128MB of data or images.

  Web Home Office Reports

• Secure Digital (SD) - SD cards are designed to have low power requirements and high data transfer rates.  SD cards are a bit smaller than MMC cards (still about the size of a stamp) and store by to 512MB of images or data. SD cards also support encryption of content so that manufacturers can sell and distribute copyrighted information with them.  SD cards also come in mini-SD format as well.
• Smart Media Card - a larger than MMC and SC cards and store up to 128MB of data or images (most often used on digital cameras and PDAs).
• USB Flash Devices - now up to 8GB and a wide variety of form factors, these devices plug into the USB port on your laptop or desktop and are recognized by the system as an external drive.  Great for taking data on the road, or moving it between systems without requiring a network connection.

For the Flash Memory Cards, you'll need a reader.  There are a number of them on the market, some with the ability to read almost any type others just a few.  Some include other capabilities beyond just reading the Flash Memory Cards as well.

As for the USB flash devices, again, they come in a VERY wide range of form factors - pens, key chains - you name it, someone has probably made it into a USB Flash Storage device.  So, what should you consider in your Flash Media Reader or USB Flash Storage device?

• Form Factor - as noted above, you'll have lots of options.  We're pretty sure that one of them will appeal to you and they way you work/travel.  None of these devices are expensive, so even if you don't like the device you purchase, we're sure that at some point the need will arise for another anyway so...
• Interface - USB 1.1 (12 Megabits per second), USB 2.0 (480 Megabits per second) or 1394 FireWire (400 Megabits per second and now FireWire 800 at 800 Megabits per second) are the port standards.  In this case, it's really what your system can support and whether or not you have an open port on your system or USB/FireWire hub.
• Capacity - the "big" issue.  As noted above, none of these devices is terribly expensive - so get what you need.  There is a ton of stuff out there and capacity ranges from 64MB to 1GB are pretty standard.
• Compatibility - PC or Mac of course, but some drives don't function with some file systems (Windows oriented ones in particular).  Make sure that your OS and system are compatible with the drive you choose.

So, ready to take a look at what is out there?  We've tried to hit on the majority of media readers/USB Flash drives and their manufacturers.  In fact, the number was so large, that we had to build a separate document with all the choices on them (and relevant information).  You can find this document at:  Flash Readers and USB Flash Drives.  Additionally, we've done a quick analysis that will tell you the cost per GB of every drive and drive size so you'll have an even better idea of what you're paying to store your data.

And, as always, we've chosen our favorite drive from every manufacturer.  Just look for the อ symbols!

Flash Drives and Readers Review

Flash Memory Readers and USB Flash Storage Devices*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)