Which USB 2.0 2GB flash drive...?

Question

Anyone got some advice on which to get (or avoid) ? Amazon is a minefield !! As technology is improving so fast would it be wise to get a bigger one? I only want it for personal use...
:-)

Answer 1

if you're looking for brands, memorex and sony and sandisk are tops.
don't buy one too small.
on-line specials this past week had 2 GB for $35 and 8 GB for $80!!!!

Answer 2

Compact Flash memory has a speed rating and, sometimes, this is not published. For 2 GB flash drives, it appears that the rating can be between 10X and 100X that is maximum speed of 1.5 to 15 Mbytes/second . It seems that this applies to reading speed of large files and writing can be much slower. A particular problem using WinXP is that saving time of small files is very slow (Optimize For Performance option inhibited). This only matters if you are saving 1000s if them. The workaround is to format for NTFS instead of FAT. See the USB and Flash Memory section in my report:

http://freespace.virgin.net/roy.longbottom/cddvdspd%20results.htm

Following shows speed ratings:

http://www.dealtime.co.uk/xPP-flash_memory--usb_flash_drive~all-speed_rating~S-214~OR-1#stt

Answer 3

Firstly, its all about how much money you have to spend and then the quality - some cheap chinese ones only last you a year or two of heavy use before failing...so don't rely on them as a main backup ;)

If your after cheap (£9.50) then try this tiny USB Memory stick:
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/116102

Have a look on www.e-bay.co.uk for Freecom USB Flash Memory - these a slightly better made.

Answer 4

I really like Bytestor - 1gb, 2gb and 4gb models are all good value with a large number of positive reviews. The 4gb model with free delivery looks like a steal. Small enough to fit into a recessed usb slot too.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_/203-6674454-9762309?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=bytestor&Go.x=7&Go.y=10

also check out the Integral models which are in stock
4gb
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Integral-COURIER-4GB-USB-Drive/dp/B000KDT1CU/ref=pd_sbs_ce_2/203-6674454-9762309?ie=UTF8&qid=1173657762&sr=8-3
2gb
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Integral-COURIER-2GB-USB-2-Drive/dp/B000KDSRAW/ref=sr_1_4/203-6674454-9762309?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1173658238&sr=1-4