Battle of the USB Drives!

I recently read a good article in December's edition of APC Computing Magazine looking at the operational and durable nature of some of today's more common USB flash drives. The results were interesting, almost as interesting as some of the tests the flash drives were tortured through!

Among the contestants were the Sandisk Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium, Corsair's Voyager, the Lexar JumpDrive Sport, Verbatim Store 'n' Go and a generic brand. Some of the tests ranged from the standard data transfer speed assessment to a variety of rigorous physical challenges. And when I say rigorous, that's exactly what I mean! Tests included a basic 'drop' test from a just a first story window; a 'what is that chunking noise in the washing machine' scenario; bending and breaking points; and even the tolerance of being immersed firstly in hot coffee, and if that didn't work and pot of beer!!! If you don't mind! Who would be submit their flash drives to such treatment! However I suppose it's good to cover all bases...

Well the Corsair Voyager proved the fastest in transferring data, a blistering 3 times faster than the Sandisk Cruzer Micro, and 5 times speedier than the Verbatim drive. The Sandisk Cruzer Titanium wasn't too far off in second place. As far as the physical abuse went, the two Sandisk and Corsair flash drives proved toughest, with the Cruzer Micro being paid special mention for its more compact and rigid build. Both the Sandisk Cruzer Titanium and Corsair Voyager were awarded the "Highly Recommended Award" whilst the Cruzer Micro was awarded the "Editor's Choice" thanks mainly to it's superior build. For more info, have a read of the article in December's edition of APC magazine. Now it's just a case of weighing up the performance, durability and of course cost factor, and making your choice!

Visit Mr.Gadget's range of USB Flash Drives Today!