Buffalo RUF-LD flash drive with LCD display

If you're not sure how much space you have left on that USB flash drive, you now have another option in addition to the Memorex TravelDrive ID. The RUF-LD, from Buffalo Technology, is an LCD-equipped flash drive, which can display the amount of available storage and the name of the drive, which can make it easier to figure out which drive has the info you need if you've got a bunch of them lying around. The drives will be out in December, in capacities of 256MB and 512MB, which seems a little skimpy, given that Memorex's drive is available in sizes up to 2GB.

[Via Akihabara News]

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I saw this at compusa already. So is it out now? The only difference is that the compusa logo was on the Drive. They had everything up to a gig.

Memorex Copy Compusa or Vice Versa?

[Dylan Horkin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I'm a little confused here. It looks like the LCD only lights up when you plug it in - doesn't that defeat the purpose?

[DJ @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I'm guessing that little round button below the screen turns it on / off - and it charges while plugged in.

[Jason @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

CompUSA is currently showing a 1GB drive on their site that is identical to that pic, made by "FMI", and that it shows the info even when not connnected.

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=333903&pfp=BROWSE

[Silver @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

If it wouldn't be too expensive I would definitely look into getting one of these!

[noel @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

this is exactly what i need. i find it hard to load up my usb drive check on properties just to find how much space is left.

cool stuff. I'll put it in my wish list this Christmas.

[Galley @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

A year from now, this will be standard on all flash drives.

[Stefan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

there's no such thing like a LCD display. It is either LCD or LC display.

[Virtual1 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Why are they even bothering with 512mb? 1gb is probably the bare minimum for anyone looking for a serious flash drive. My 1gb flash drive is over a year old, and I'm kinda wishing my 4gb cruzer mini had a little more capacity. These flash drive manufacturers need to get back into the present, 512mb is so 2003.

[Bible and Apologetics Teacher @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I had a 256 MB and promptly lost it. I guess some people (like me) are too irresponsible to get a 1 GB. :)

[Adam @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

What really makes this unique, there is no power required for the display. That means once you've change the files with a pc it updates the screen with a quick pulse of energy. It will keep that number on there even after you unplug it, oh and don't forget about the "Title" display (at least on the CompUSA branded ones) you can put something around 16 characters above the storage display. I have a few labled "Linux" "Music" etc. No need to stick ugly hand written labels, and still easy to grab the right one. CompUSA had these things on rebate a few weeks back for $80. They call them "Smart Drives" store brand FMI.

[Terry @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

It's cool indeed, and check out this site: www.mydidigo.com
, they claimed to be the world's first, and the product looks the same.

No power required for displaying personal label and remaining disk capacity, I will definately have one.