SMB Technology

Making a statement with USB flash drives – our top five

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by Keris Lahiff

While it’s commonly seen as disposable technology, your USB drive can become your most used and reliable tech asset, especially when working out and about from the office. Make a statement with yours. Here are five of the best USB flash drives and – while some may seem strange – all will allow the office to be carried in the palm of your hand.

It costs how much?

First up, the priciest USB flash drive on the market – the Kingston DT310 is the Lamborghini of data storage. And, while it retails for approximately $800, its heavy-duty 256GB capacity makes it a long-term investment. That’s half the storage capabilities of an external hard drive at one-twentieth the size!

Built for the bag

At a more palatable $55, the Xporter XT Boost is perfect for portable data storage – due, in part, to its rubber housing which makes it water- and shock-proof. With 16GB of available space, this USB can go the hard-yards attached to your keys or being knocked around in your bag.

Save files, I can

For the unabashed nerd, Mimoco offers a range of Star Wars-themed USB drives, from mini Darth Vader to Chewbacca. While they only house 4GB worth of files, the novelty factor will certainly make them worthwhile.

Ready for anything

Do you frequently find yourself in a dicey situation, in need of a Swiss army knife and important Word documents? Thankfully, Victorinox has developed the solution – the Victorinox SwissFlash Laser drive offers eight tools in one – from the standards of nail file and knife to a laser pointer and 1GB USB stick. It’s the Bear Grylls of USBs.

Old faithful

For those not needing something flash from their flash drive, USBs such as the Sandisk Cruzer Blade or the Imation Nano are reliable and sturdy, lasting for years (before being inevitably lost or forgotten).