USB Memory Drive (32MB)

USB Memory Drive (32MB)

Have you noticed floppy drives are no longer standard fare on desktop or portable computers? Have you wondered how you would get along without a floppy? Do you feel dependent on CD-Rewritable technology and are looking for an alternative?

Well, I have the answer and it’s a universal serial bus drive from Verbatim Inc. They come in many capacities and flavors. They run from 32MB all the way up to 1GB.

For this review, I had the opportunity to work with a new version of the Verbatim brand tool. It works on PC, Macintosh and Linux systems. I ran my tests on a Windows XP machine. This particular Verbatim drive had only a 32MB capacity, but it was the first one I have used with high-speed USB 2.0. What is the difference between this new high-speed 2.0 version and the older versions (USB 1.1)? Speed — a lot of speed.

Let us start with a simple test. Start with a computer that has USB 2.0 ports. Take a folder with many files on the computer. Copy this folder to the USB device. How long did it take? Well, with the older USB 1.1 drive, copying 14.7MB of files took about 29 seconds. With the Verbatim high-speed 2.0 device, it took only 11 seconds to copy the same files.

Next, I took that same folder with all the subfiles and copied it from the USB device to a new location on the computer. With the Verbatim 2.0 speed demon, it took about three seconds, while my older USB 1.1 device took about 14 seconds for the same test. These tests I conducted were not scientific tests by any means, but actual field experience in my office. It’s certainly faster than writing a CD.

If you are looking for something that can fit on your key chain, is about the size of a AA battery, and can hold vast quantities of data, consider a USB device and certainly look at the benefits of the high-speed 2.0. The Verbatim USB Memory Drive is a great tool to carry your work files home from the office, move the family pictures to another machine, and backup that Great American Brief you are sure the computer will devour just before the filing deadline.

Verbatim’s model has several unique characteristics. It has a nicely rounded case that can sit comfortably in your pocket. Many of the other manufacturers use a more square-edged container. Most of them come with a sturdy loop at one end so you can carry them on a neck strap. Others come with a clip, like a fountain pen, to hold them in your shirt pocket.

Whether you want a neck lanyard, key chain fob or a pocket clip is a personal choice when selecting USB devices. The Verbatim model has the convenience of both the neck strap and the key fob capabilities.

If you are running Windows 2000 or above, just plug the device into the USB slot and you are in business. It’s complete plug-and-play. If you are running Windows 98, you need to run a driver, which is provided with the USB drive. Also, if you don’t have high-speed USB 2.0 ports on your computer, the device will work, just at the slower speed permitted by your computer.

Remember, with these drives, there is no power supply. They draw a small current directly from the USB port on your computer.

Pricing for these devices is entirely capacity dependent. The 32MB model is about $29, while the 1GB model tops out at about $349.

On the list of features, Verbatim includes security software with the device. You can password-protect files or partitions on the drive.

For those who worry about their computer taking an unscheduled vacation, the Verbatim device can be configured as a bootable drive. In essence, an emergency tool to get your machine started when the gremlins prevent normal booting.

Verbatim Inc.
(800) 421-4188

www.verbatim.com

Price: $29 for 32GB device.

All Windows, Macintosh OS and Linux systems.

Reviewed by Bruce L. Dorner, a solo attorney with his main office in Londonderry, N.H. He is the chairman of the Technology Board of the American Bar Association General Practice Solo and Small Firm Section and a member of the ABA Standing Committee on Solo and Small Firm Practitioners. He also speaks on law office technology and management. You can contact him at callmylawyer@
attglobal.net.

Dec/Jan '04 Issue

PROS
It’s fast as blazes for a USB device and has a sturdy case.

CONS
There is no write protect tab and it’s slightly larger than some other brands.

VERDICT
It’s fast and just a bit more expensive than the older USB 1.1 type devices. Watch for prices to drop.