Types of Drives
1) Basic Drives
Advantages
- very low cost
- excellent for file backup
- excellent for transferring files
Disadvantages
-Low capacity
- Only stores data
- May not have password protection
2) Hard Drive Replacements
(e.g. BUSlink,
Kanguru)
Advantages
- High capacity - 16, 32, 64GB
- Fast read/write speed
- Password protection
- Rugged
- Fingerprint security
Disadvantages
- Only store data
- Only works with USB 2.0 input
- Very high cost
3) Smart Drives (e.g. Sandisk,
lexar, Kingston)
Advantages
- Store and run applications from drive
- Basic applications included
- Does not leave traces on host computer
- Password protection
Disadvantages
- Limited number of read/writes
4) Novelty Drives (.e.g. Thinkgeek,
imation)
Advantages
- Extra features (e.g. knives, pens, lights, unique packaging)
Disadvantages
-Limited storage
- Lack password protection
- Not rugged
5) USB Drives with Special
Features
- Fingerprint security (e.g. Edgetechcorp)
- Music player & FM tuner(e.g. Sandisk)
- Voice recorder (e.g. BXmedia)
- Memory card reader included (e.g. Kingston)
- Disadvantages: limited storage, not rugged,
may lack password protection
6) Windows Vista Ready
Boost Drive Buying Tips
Windows Vista has a disk cashing technology to enhance system
performance for systems with 1GB or less, of RAM
Called "Ready Boost" it utilizes a flash memory drive,
or SD memory card.
The device must
have the indicated requirements.