USB Thumb Drive Recommendations

Hey. I'm looking to buy probably a 2GB USB flash drive for going off to college, but I really don't know where to start. The SanDisk Cruzers look nice, but I don't want that U3 garbage on there... there's a way to remove that, correct?

What do you guys use/what should I be looking at? I don't have a ton to spend, but I don't want anything cheap.

Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, you can easily remove the U3 software.

Kingston and Memorex make good cheap flash drives. There are good prices on these most of the time.

Another good flash drive that I can think of is the OCZ Rally. Its really small in size and has good data transfer speeds. But it can be a tad pricey.

 

The SanDisk Cruzer's are very nice, I just purchased a 4GB one from Costco.

 

Corsair Flash Voyager GT (make sure it's the GT version)...

it's not small or lightweight by any means though

 

You can't really go wrong with Corsair, Kingston, Patriot or Crucial from my experience. However, I'd recommend you just go on newegg and narrow it down to some cheaper ones and go for the one with the best reviews.

 

I use the SanDisk Cruzer® Micro, and it works just fine. I like that it does not have a lid you can loose. Works pretty fast, and I removed the U3 software quickly with a removal tool from Sandisk.

Make sure you remove the software early on though because it reformats the whole stick deleting any data you already have there.

Also if you want the U3 functionality without it taking over every computer you stick your drive into, you can try Portableapps.com. It allows you to put a lot of free apps on there, and store your settings so you can run them anywhere.

For example, use firefox with your bookmarks anywhere. Stuff like that. Much nice than U3.

I also like to encrypt my drives using TruCrypt. Basically when I put my drive in a Windows computer TrueCrypt runs, I type in my password and it mounts a new drive on the computer. That drive is encrypted using very strong encryption and is pretty safe. Just to be save I leave 1GB un-encrypted so I can move files to Macs if needed.

 

Yeah, I'm finding the Cruzer Titanium on amazon for a pretty good price (yeah, I did check newegg, too). I think I'm going to go with that.

Does the U3 removal thing come with the thumb drive, or is it something I can/have to do manually?

 

I had to download the removal program.

 

I have a Memorex Mini-TravelDrive and its been awesome, very small.

But you can't go wrong with Sandisk, Corsair, OCZ, or Crucial

 

Same, but a 1GB one. The U3 software is easy to remove with their utility (hint: google) and I have had no problems with it.

 

There's a 4GB Cruzer at Radio Shack...it's $29.95. Deal expires today.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...423&siteID=zPNPWE0dbww-wXaHPoWHdB_CIFkMo8nj7g

I prefer the 4GB Titanium Cruzer. It's at buy.com for $49.95 w/free shipping.
This one also has Ready Boost.
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=204226119

BTW, U3 has been discontinued by Sandisk.

 

To UK members. I just bought a 1GB and a 4GB from PC World. Order online and collect/pay at store prices for PC Line manu -

1GB 7.99 (was 19.99)
4GB 19.99 (was 39.99)

There's aslo 2GB available.

 

I purchased the 4gb cruzer from radio shack as well. excellent drive, nice build and very fast. The titanium is rock solid but I have owned three and they kept on short circuiting on me. Sandisk's warranty is GREAT!

 

I've been using a 1gb Kingston DataTraveler and its been working great so far now.

I got mine off Neweggs for $15 about six months ago, I can imagine prices have gone down.

 

My Uni sent me a white/silver 1GB Kingston drive with the school emblem, name, and tagline on a reflective silver tag.

Yeah, it's pretty awesome.

 

what uni do you go to?

 

Waht is the difference between the titanium and the mini both seem to be 4gb and I cannot seem to find the speed on any of them

Thanks in advance

 

I just purchased one those little pqi drives from newegg. I cant remember the model name but the unit itself is only about the size of a nickel. It was only 11 bucks or so for the 1gb version. Its pretty neat, I have it on my cellphone since it came with a little cord for it. Hardly even know its there and never have to worry about forgetting it. =)

 

Sandisk came out with a cruzer with a fingerprint reader. Has anyone tried that one out? The geek factor on that is very high!