USB Flash Drive Roundup - 10/2005
by Anand Lal Shimpi on October 4, 2005 11:28 AM EST- Posted in
- Memory
Kingston DataTraveler Elite
While the rest of Kingston's DataTraveler line is fairly normal in size, the DataTraveler Elite is huge. The drive itself is actually not that much bigger in dimensions than the DataTraveler and DataTraveler II/II+ migo, but the design of the drive makes it feel and seem much larger.
The benefit of an encrypted partition is added security because it takes a lot less time to brute force a password than it does a 128-bit encryption key; although, neither is obviously full-proof. The important point to make here is that the Elite's flash controller features a built-in hardware encryption engine, so all of the encryption/decryption calculations are done in real time, thus not slowing down the drive at all. We obviously tested Kingston's claims, and our findings supported their claims - performance didn't drop with encryption enabled.
Our only real complaint about the Elite is its size. We would definitely prefer something smaller. If you can deal with the added bulk, the Elite is a very competitive option from Kingston.
While the rest of Kingston's DataTraveler line is fairly normal in size, the DataTraveler Elite is huge. The drive itself is actually not that much bigger in dimensions than the DataTraveler and DataTraveler II/II+ migo, but the design of the drive makes it feel and seem much larger.
The benefit of an encrypted partition is added security because it takes a lot less time to brute force a password than it does a 128-bit encryption key; although, neither is obviously full-proof. The important point to make here is that the Elite's flash controller features a built-in hardware encryption engine, so all of the encryption/decryption calculations are done in real time, thus not slowing down the drive at all. We obviously tested Kingston's claims, and our findings supported their claims - performance didn't drop with encryption enabled.
Our only real complaint about the Elite is its size. We would definitely prefer something smaller. If you can deal with the added bulk, the Elite is a very competitive option from Kingston.
From top to bottom, Kingston DataTraveler Elite, Kingston DataTraveler II drive, a AA battery and a 9V battery.
| Kingston DataTraveler Elite | |
| Sizes Available | 256MB - 4GB |
| Lanyard Included | No |
| USB Extension Cable Included | No |
| Data Encryption | Yes (Windows only) |
| Password Protection | Yes (Windows Only) |
| Secure + Public Partitions Simultaneously Accessible | No |
| Flash Controller | M-Systems |
| Flash Memory | Samsung K9F2G08U0M |
| Warranty | 5 years |
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sxr7171 - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Time to get a Lexar JumpDrive lightning. This may not be important to a lot of people, but a USB drive IMHO needs to have a loop for a keyring. It is the most convenient way to carry the thing and always have it with you no matter what. I guess this applies more to people living in the city and not needing a car and the big bulky car keys/remote that come with that.TheInvincibleMustard - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Speaking of, is there some reason the Lexar isn't on the RTPE? I mean, it did just win an Editor's Choice and all, so you'd hope it would be one of the drives listed in the newly-announced Flash Storage section ... :(-TIM
Pete84 - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Bummer, OCZ's dual channel USB stick didn't get in.jkostans - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Someone didn't read the article......SpaceRanger - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Are USB drives able to be made Bootable?? I know that systems can recognize USB Floppy Drives, and boot from those, but I was wondering if you could take a USB Flash Drive and make it a bootable device.Phantronius - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
depending on the flash drive and the motherboard BIOS, yes you can do it.Phantronius - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
1st!!!I love my OEM made from some pretty lady in china USB 2.0 stick, its saved my ass so many times for my work, especially in data reterival and spyware removal.
Souka - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
I've had the Memina Rocket for a couple months now....before they even announced it (thanks to NewEgg)....write spead defintly kinda bite with small files especially, but usually I put drivers and stuff there once, then read mutliple times....so its a good match for me.PQI's I got over a year ago, and completely made everyone jealous.... for once, mem were bragging theirs is smaller than someone else's. :D
I still use a SanDisk Titanium.....only a 512mb module, but still works well.
Souka - Wednesday, October 5, 2005 - link
oopsss...typomeant to say...
PQI's I got over a year ago for my office, and completely made everyone jealous.... for once, men were bragging theirs was smaller!! :D