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Corsair releases "Flash Padlock" PIN-based flash drive
Innovation in the flash drive sphere seems to be limited to bringing the price down, and adding on new security features. Corsair's new "Flash Padlock" flash drive seemingly does both, by retailing at $29.99 and $39.99 in 1GB and 2GB variants, and tacking on a PIN based security system that limits who can access the drive. The benefit to the Flash Padlock is that its security solution is entirely hardware based, so it's supposedly impervious to hackers and crackers and other deviant folk: the downside is that if your computer's USB ports are out of reach, then this solution is going to be extremely bad for your back.
The Mix Tape USB Drive remembers your roots
Sure, the compact disc may have just celebrated 25 years in the biz, but nothing says quasi-old school like a double-sided cassette tape. Granted, it's a bit harder to effectively distribute mix tapes on a format rarely appreciated this day in age, so the Mix Tape USB Drive steps in to deliver your favorite compilations in a modern form without ditching that crucial retro flair. Pricing details have yet to be released, but it's slated to hit the streets next month for those interested.[Thanks, Damien]
MICRODIA's Fruity USB flash drives: now in four great scents
While not nearly as lavish as Debreu's Scent Drive, MICRODIA is delivering its own set of scented flash drives for those who just can't keep their USB storage away from those nostrils. Reportedly, the USB 2.0 Fruity Flash Keys will arrive in four different flavors, so those who tend to prefer strawberry, grape, green apple, or (Engadget's personal favorite) orange should be thrilled by the selection. Each drive will supposedly be available in sizes ranging from a mere 128MB to 4GB, and while pricing and availability details aren't yet available, we'll keep our nose to the ground for any future information.[Via Gearlog]
Toshiba expands TransMemory lineup, readies 32GB Limited Edition
These days, it's growing mighty tough to differentiate flash drives, and while you'll be hard pressed to discover what's so "limited" about the 32GB Limited Edition device that Toshiba has up its sleeve, it's wearing the aforementioned label regardless. The capacious USB flash drive sports the same USB 2.0 connectivity, ReadyBoost compatibility, and password lockout system and its less endowed siblings, but does demand a bit more respect than the 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB flavors. All four devices will call the U2K Series homes, and while the standard models should hit shelves by October, it'll be closer to year-end before the 32GB iteration struts its stuff.
SanDisk offers up 4GB Ducati USB flash drive
If you're the type who prefers your vehicles to come with only two wheels, and you also don't mind paying entirely too much for a USB flash drive so long as its branded right, SanDisk's latest could be right up your alley. Amongst a number of Ducati-badged flash memory (shown after the jump), SanDisk has also unveiled the Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive, which doesn't do much to avoid looking like your average Liquid Paper Dryline Grip. Aside from the awkward resemblance, this glossy red device sports the same color effects as those found on the Ducati Corse team motorcycles, includes 4GB of internal storage, and touts write speeds of up to 20 megabytes-per-second. 'Course, that staggering $124.99 you'll lay down for this piece also includes a "custom lanyard" and SanDisk's RescuePRO Deluxe software, but we imagine the pricetag won't matter much for true aficionados.[Via PCLaunches]
Kingston intros pair of capacious DataTraveler USB drives
Those searching for a few more options and a tad more space in Kingston's ever-expanding DataTraveler lineup have struck gold, as the firm has just now unveiled a pair of miniscule USB drives that peak at 8GB of built-in storage. The DataTraveler II Plus (shown after the jump) arrives in a single 8GB flavor ($154) and comes bundled with Migo's data synchronization software, which enables the suits to have password-protected access to up-to-date Outlook folders and quarterly reports. On the flip side, the DataTraveler 100 touts that oh-so-admirable retractable action, meaning that the connector can creep out or take cover with just the flick of your thumb. Additionally, this USB 2.0 device is available in 1GB ($19), 2GB ($32), 4GB ($59), and 8GB ($116) sizes, plays nice with Windows, Linux, and OS X, and just like its aforementioned sibling, boasts a five-year warranty.Read - Kingston's 8GB DataTraveler II Plus – Migo EditionRead - Kingston's DataTraveler 100
Toshiba kicks out its own 4GB microSDHC card
Oh, Toshiba. Usually we wouldn't react too kindly to jumping in the game nearly half a year late, but considering just how rare these 4GB microSDHC cards still seem to be, we'll give you a pass on this one. Sure enough, Tosh is finally ready to unleash its wee 4GB microSDHC card on the world, and besides guaranteeing sustained write rates of up to 4Mbps, it also promises write speeds of nearly 6Mbps. No word on pricing details as of now, but considering that these should be hitting (a few) shelves come next month, you won't be waiting too much longer in tense anticipation.[Via Tech-On]
Memorex's M-Flyer Pilot USB drive gets its wings
Granted, we're not exactly grasping the full connection between aircrafts and Memorex's TravelDrive M-Flyer Pilot, but the sleek, "aerodynamic" design and cutesy wing logo probably make this the USB flash drive of choice for the average commercial pilot. Regardless, this minuscule device touts a retractable, capless design, ReadyBoost compatibility, and comes with Portable Vault USB security software from Migo Software. Available in 2GB and 4GB sizes, the latest M-Flyer should be available in the US and Canada next month for $49.99 and $79.99, respectively.
Perry Ellis gives away cheapo USB flash drive
You would think that Perry Ellis, a "respectable" department store clothing maker, could afford something half-way decent to hand out to its customers -- but you would be wrong. Like many designer products, after you get through the ornate packaging and custom plastic box, it's just cheap junk from China. In this case, that cheap junk happens to be a 64MB (that's right, megabyte) USB flash drive. Of course, you'll be thanking Perry when you've got a place to store one big Photoshop file.[Thanks, kristofer]
Art Lebedev's Finger Folder flash drive
We know, either you're waiting impatiently for December to roll around or figuring out odd jobs to raise upwards of $1,500, but here's a gem from Art that'll take your mind off (momentarily, at least) that other creation. The Finger Folder flash drive describes itself fairly well without any help from us, as the brilliantly simplistic USB drive resides in a manila folder that you're free to label at will. Sure, you could get all fancy and buy a drive with a programmable BCD, but there's just something magical about doing things the old way.[Thanks, Mike I.]
White Stripes album sold on limited edition USB drives
For fans of Jack and Meg, it's probably a long-standing dream of yours to purchase the Icky Thump album on limited edition thumb drives complete with cartoon renditions of the rockers, but even if it that understandably bizarre scenario never actually crossed your mind, you can still make it a reality. Apparently, the White Stripes are offering up their latest album on two fairly rare USB drives, each sporting 512MB of internal space, an artistic rendition of one of the band mates, and thirteen rockin' tracks in Apple Lossless format. Only 3,333 of each will be created, and while just one will run you a whopping $57.50, you may as well grab the duo for a discounted $99. Of course, we're still not entirely certain if these things are actually licensed by the band, but it's safe to assume that a seven nation army of fans will have these bought up before the legal teams can even get their case together.[Via BoingBoing]
Kinyo DS-350 speakers play music off your USB stick
From the "why aren't more companies doing this?" department comes Kinyo's DS-350 USB flash disk drive speaker, which can play MP3s and WMAs from USB flash drives, despite being in an enclosure the size of an average MP3 player dock. This particular example is a rather unimpressive one, being that the USB port's location means your stick will jut out, the speakers are only rated at 2 Watts total output, and it runs off 4 AA batteries (yuck!). Anyway, it's still nice to see companies come out with gadgets that give the owner a little more choice about what they can plug in: the DS-350 is shipping now for around $40, so if you're looking to give your flash drive a tinny soundtrack, then go ahead and snap one up.[Via Chipchick]
SanDisk intros Cruzer Professional, Enterprise USB drives
SanDisk has tossed a few more entries into its ever-expanding line of Cruzer USB flash drives, with its new Cruzer Professional and Cruzer Enterprise models offering a few additional perks for more security-minded folks. Both drives are available in 1, 2, and 4GB versions, and each boast the same 24MB/sec read time and 20MB/sec write time. Opting for the Professional model, however, will only get you some basic security features, including a "Privacy Zone" that'll let you password-protect as much or as little of the drive as you'd like. The Cruzer Enterprise, on the other hand, boasts mandatory password protection for the entire drive, along with a set-up process that forces users to create complex passwords. The Enterprise drive will also work with Sandisk's Cruzer Enterprise Central Management & Control server software, which'll give businesses central back-up and restore capabilities, and even allow for remote termination of lost drives. If that meets with your approval, you can snag the Enterprise drives now for between $75 and $185, or save a few bucks with the Professional drives, which'll set you back between $55 and $155.
Zip Zip offers up USB flash drives within Lego blocks
We're not particularly sure if Lego is actually getting a cut on these newfangled USB flash drives, but an Australian firm is offering up said storage options within Lego blocks nonetheless. The Zip Zip Memory Bricks will be available in black, white, red, blue, green, and yellow here shortly, and all house 1GB of storage and sport USB 2.0 connectivity. Additionally, a nifty lanyard allows you to attach your new 31- x 15- x 10-millimeter drive to your key ring, and while the A$59 ($48) pricetag may seem a tad high for just 1,024MB, you know the diehards can't resist picking this up to go alongside their Lego LaCie HDD.
QiGO announces Internet Content Keys
Ah, the grand tradition of moving the virtual into the physical world for we don't entirely know what reason; new firm QiGO's on the scene with its Internet Content Keys, which serve the purpose of foregoing logins and passwords for providing key-recipients access to premium internet content. (Example: get a branded Slate 1yr subscription QiGO key, pop it in your computer and you're off without logging in.) Sure, it's a sensible idea until you remember binding internet products and services to physical artifacts works fine the first time, but progressively suckier the second, third, and tenth time... or whenever you leave your home, want to use said service on another machine, etc. Hey, just saying, if you want to gift someone access to some premium internet content, it's probably best done with an email invite or (gasp) one-time-use code.
Corsair Flash Survivor GT 8GB escapes torture test unscathed
We've seen some mighty rugged flash drives put to the test in our day, but Corsair's Flash Survivor GT 8GB managed to withstand a well-planned and carefully executed attack on its life like none that have come before it. This soldier of a USB drive not only performed great when tested against more fragile alternatives, it somehow escaped sans injury after being submerged in a pool, cooked in boiling water for ten solid minutes, and being creamed with a hammer numerous times. The torturers expected the CNC-milled anodized aircraft-grade aluminum housing to hold up fairly well under duress, but even they were utterly amazed at how invincible this thing really seemed. The $130 drive earned a much deserved 10 out of 10 rating from the flabbergasted review crew, and while we're not quite sure if it could withstand a nuclear attack like one of its competitors, it can apparently live through just about anything that you yourself could.[Thanks, Rodger]
PQI intros Traveling Disk H Series USB drives
For those of you out there who are already proud owners of Power Quotient International's Cool Drive U350, the new lineup from the same company probably looks eerily familiar. While the firm claims that "extra efforts went into differentiating the H series from its siblings by using techniques such as sand blasting, hairline treatment, and mirror finishes," we're not quite buying it. Regardless of looks, the new flash drives tout ReadyBoost compatibility (although it's apparently not likely to yield much benefit), are available in sizes ranging from half a gigabyte to 4GB, and come pre-loaded with a Webaroo offline browser that "downloads and saves internet packets of websites" for viewing whilst not connected. Unfortunately, there's no signs of a price nor an availability date, but aside from the still-nifty retractable nature that the U310H, U350H and U339H all rock, there's not much here to hold out for.[Via PC Launches]
1GB Nike shoe USB flash drive disregards trademark
While we've seen the swoosh used on questionably licensed apparel before, we're fairly certain that a one-off Japanese e-tailer isn't selling a svelte Nike USB flash drive before the company itself with due permissions in place. Nevertheless, users can (well, for the time being, at least) pick the 1GB training shoe USB drive for their Mac or PC, and while it doubles as a keychain or hangs on tight to your Kensington lock port, the real utility is stored beneath the toe. Admittedly, it doesn't look half bad (click through for more proof), but we'd recommend plopping down your ¥2,480 ($20) real quick like before the legal teams return on Monday.[Via EverythingUSB]
Microsoft and SanDisk team up on U3 replacement
The U3 standard for machine-independent applications isn't exactly an aging one, but it seems that Microsoft and SanDisk have found some room for improvement, announcing today that they've teamed up to create a "new experience" for USB flash drives and memory cards. According to the two companies, the new technology will expand on and replace U3, and will let users carry their full personal computing environment (including their familiar interface) with them in addition to a few applications. As with U3, you also supposedly won't have to worry about anything being left behind on the computer after you unplug the drive. You'll have to get by with the standard U3 drives for a while longer though, as the new and improved version won't be rolling out until the second half of 2008, with the first such drives coming, naturally, from SanDisk.
Memorex Poker Chip USB flash drive knows when to fold 'em
While the poker sharks in the crowd are probably elated about the recent WSOP in HD news, we're going double or nothing with Memorex's Poker Chip Flash Drive. This 1GB device sports a design that any chip stacker would appreciate, and aside from giving you something to flip between your nervous fingers when pondering a fold, it also includes "software to play Texas Hold 'Em right from your PC." Additionally, a blue LED lights things up when data is being accessed, and while we're not exactly sure how much you'll have to wager in order to claim one as your own, they'll be situated in Target stores by the end of the month.
