How to choose a flash drive

When choosing a flash drive or USB drive, you should start from the intended use of the device.

How to choose a flash drive: evaluation criteria

Flash drives differ not only in volume, but also in other parameters:

1. Standard, it is a form factor;

2. Read-write speed;

3. Volume;

4. Ergonomics;

5. Additional features.

Standard (form factor)

The standard is the most important parameter of flash drives. It is he who determines how this drive can be used.

Standard USB-drives are in the format of USB stick and are designed to store and transfer information from one computer to another. They are inserted into the usual USB Type A port and are cross-compatible between devices from different manufacturers, with different operating systems and technical characteristics.

But if you need a USB flash drive for a DVR, camera or similar “mobile” device, then most likely, SD or microSD will do. The specific specification can be obtained from the documentation for the device or the markings on its case.

Read-write speed

This parameter determines how quickly the data will be copied to and from the USB flash drive. In the vast majority of models of the average price range, it directly depends on the drive standard. That is, USB flash drives with USB 2.0 will provide an average read-write speed of 480 Mbps, and with USB 3.0 - about 5 Gbps.

It is worth remembering that the write speed is always lower than the read speed. This is due to the peculiarities of the USB-drives. In addition, the recording speed of a single large file is much higher than the recordings of many small, but having the same volume - for the same reason. Therefore, if you plan to “upload” large files to the USB flash drive, you should choose a drive with a high write speed. If it will be used to store documents, photos or music - this parameter can be neglected.

Volume (capacity)

The volume of the USB drive is one of its most important parameters. It is he who determines how many files can be placed on it. In addition, the drive price directly depends on the capacity.

The relationship between price and storage capacity is non-linear. For example, flash drives that have a volume of less than 8-16 GB, have a higher cost per gigabyte. The most economical drives are 32 GB. Flash drives of 64 GB and more are again distinguished by the high cost of a single gigabyte.

Also it is worth remembering that the volume specified in the flash drive specifications is different from the actual one. This is due to the peculiarities of counting megabytes. So, the flash drive, on the package of which “16 GB” is indicated, will have an actual volume of approximately 14.7 GB. The flash drive on the "32 GB" - approximately 29.5 GB.

Ergonomic

This parameter determines the usability of the flash drive. It is made up of materials, shape and size of the device.

The most optimal variant of the material of the flash drive's case is plastic (or polycarbonate). Metal drives, of course, are more resistant to mechanical stress - such as bumps, scratches, etc. - however, they can cause a breakdown of static electricity on a poorly earthed case of the system unit, which, in turn, will lead to data damage or complete loss of device performance.Flash drives whose case is made of wood, leather or other materials look attractive, but they are quite expensive.

The shape of the device largely determines the convenience of its connection. Large flash drives, made in the form of funny animals, machines, etc. have only one advantage - an attractive appearance. However, they are quite difficult to insert both into a laptop and into the system unit, whose back panel is occupied by connectors of other devices.

The size of the flash drive determines the convenience of its extraction. Tiny drives are very difficult to get from the connector on the back of the system unit. Yes, and from the wet fingers they pop out. It makes sense to acquire “extremely compact” flash drives only if they are used to speed up your computer using ReadyBoost technology.

Additional features

Additional features make using a flash drive more convenient or increase its functionality. However, these devices are a bit more expensive than usual. Among such opportunities:

1. Connector microUSB or Lightning for use with a smartphone using OTG technology (On-The-Go, viewing the contents of the drive and operations with it directly on your mobile device). Conveniently, if you often have to transfer files to the memory of the smartphone;

2. Protection against dust, moisture, X-rays. The first two parameters are very practical for all users, the third will only be needed by travelers;

3. Software and hardware encryption. Conveniently, if you want to store confidential data on a flash drive. It is inconvenient if you often have to insert a drive into public computers (for example, in print centers) or give it to friends.

Manufacturers

Among manufacturers of conventional flash drives can be distinguished SanDisk and Transcend. If you need an OTG-drive, then it is better to pay attention to the company's products Leef. When it comes to SD or microSD, then one of the best manufacturers of such flash drives is the company Samsung.

1. Transcend is one of the largest manufacturers of flash drives of the budget level. Its USB drives have a low price. In addition, Transcend has programs that help fix a USB flash drive in case of a breakdown, or at least restore information from it.

2. SanDisk is better known as a high-end flash drive manufacturer. If you need a USB 3.0 drive or increased capacity (more than 128 GB), you should pay attention to the products of this company.

3. Leef is a manufacturer of OTG flash drives. The latest models even work with iOS and support USB 3.0.

4. Samsung releases the fastest and most reliable microSD / SD flash drives. But they are more expensive than competitors.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.