Help me choose which usb flash drive to buy...

So I've been on a hunt for a 1gb usb flash drive. I'm trying to decide whether to buy the Verbatim Store 'n' Go U3 or the SanDisk Cruzer Micro U3. From what I read Verbatim has PowerBackup U3 Light and the SanDisk has the CruzerSync for backing up files. Both have U3. Basically, I want to sync documents between the computer and the usb flash drive so that I won't lose any important data if the hard drive fails. Which does a better job at this? And most importantly which one should I buy?... or do you recommend a completely different one?

Sandisk CruzerSync http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Default.aspx?CatID=1160
PowerBackup U3 Light
http://verbatim.com/U3/applications.cfm

 

Choosing between a flash drive is really like choosing between chopsticks. In the end, it's a very simple piece of machinery. Buy the cheapest one.

 

1.) Why would you buy a drive with U3?

2.) U3 is soon to be replaced by another proprietary Sandisk/Microsoft nightmare.

3.) Why in the world would you want to by a drive with U3?

 

I agree with Lithus on this one. Just get the cheaper one. They all work the same. As long as you don't misuse it or anything, I doubt anything will happen to it.

 

At Best Buy, and many other stores, you can currently get a SanDisk Cruzer Micro 4gb for $39. It'll work with ReadyBoost if you are running Vista.

 

The only reason you would buy a better flash drive is for extra features, durability and high speed so it works with things like readyboost

make sure you get a brand that does what you want. if its just storage go for the cheapest but if its speed, then do your research

 

What's wrong with U3? Does it load up slowly? Does it take up a lot of space? I don't have any experience with U3 software so I need some guidance there. Also just to let you know I use the drive mostly for backups of important documents so I wanted the backup software that came with it. If I buy a flash drive without backup software, do you know of a good free software on the internet that I can download and use to sync files?

 

Speeds vary greatly amongst USB drives. Check them out before you buy.

 

U3 is dying.

 

U3 was never alive to begin with.

 

Haha LOL

 

These are the best suggestions I have for you:

This -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820100001
Only $11.99!
+
This -> http://portableapps.com/news/2007-08-01_-_toucan_1.1
Free!!!

- or -

This -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820189029
Only $15.49!

More product info,
http://www.kingston.com/flash/dt_IIplusMigo.asp


You cannot go wrong either way!

Both of these options are far superior to either of the choices you listed initially (IMO ), and will save you a bundle of cash!


Thread closed.

 

I would not recommend the U3 drives because U3 does not work with Vista.

I'd recommend this drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233008
You can beat the hell out of it and it will still work.

 

If it says Ready Boost on the package and U3 from SanDisk then it will work with Vista. Older flash drives with U3 however do not work with Vista, although some companies do have updates for U3 and Vista. Its really not a big deal to get a U3 flash drive if you want to try it, if you don't like it you can simply remove it which is very simple (and after that you will have a normal flash drive). U3 does not add much cost to these drives so you don't really lose much doing that.

 

buy.com have the kingston data traveler 2GB for $17
http://www.buy.com/prod/kingston-2gb-datatraveler-usb-2-0-flash-drive/q/loc/101/202743330.html

 

Not true. I've been using the U3 Launchpad for a couple of weeks now without any problem. Why would they make a version of the Cruzer with ReadyBoost if it weren't compatible with Vista?

 

I was using a U3 device on XP for a few months... upgraded to Vista and what do you know... I can't access any of the files because I had a password active on the usb device. Had to load up xp.. remove the password, then access it in Vista.

Much happier with my 2gb non-U3 device now.

 

Same experience here ... BUT ... a workaround is to just explore "my computer" and you'll find it as "removable disk 'x'", everything intact, even though the initial pop up box will just show you the system folders and won't let you in. U3 was a good idea in theory, but I don't like how it worked out in practice.

 

I SAID, "THREAD CLOSED"!

 

Eat doggy dung, you loudmouthed bunghole!