UsbDrive
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TDK intros slim new USB flash drives
TDK certainly hasn't put quite the priority on USB flash drives as it has on its other media, but it looks like the company is making a decent effort with its latest drives, which manage to keep things about as small as you're likely to want. Available in 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB varieties, the drives weigh in at a mere three grams, and measure 32 x 15 x 8 mm, with a sliding USB connector (and ReadyBoost functionality) also thrown in for good measure. No word on a price just yet, but you can look for them to be available in Japan by the end of the month.[Via Akihabara News]
Kanguru intros security-minded KanguruDefender Pro flash drive
Those looking for a bit more security than your standard off-the-shelf flash drive has to offer already have plenty of options to consider, and they've now got yet another courtesy of Kanguru, which just introduced its new KanguruDefender Pro drive. Available in 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB capacities, and in your choice of red, green, blue, tan and yellow "security colors," the drive boasts hardware AES encryption, along with a tamper-proof aluminum casing and, of course, password-protection. Kanguru's also seen fit to throw in a couple of decidedly non-security related measures, including custom printing and engraving (at an added cost, that is). If that sounds like the drive for you, you can grab one now for $65, $85, or $130, depending on the capacity.
Autobot flash drive probably isn't licensed, doesn't care
We know how you Transformers aficionados roll -- you'll spend your very last dollar just to ensure your collection stays complete. That being said, we'd probably recommend skipping right over this Autobot 1GB USB flash drive, unless you dig (likely) non-licensed gear cluttering up your pristine heap, that is. If you're still letting your heart cloud your mind, riddle us this: what legitimate piece of Transformers kit requires you to purchase 12?[Via Coolest-Gadgets]
Philips adds to Swarovski Active Crystals line, now with more color
Oh ho, it looks like Philips' out of character endeavor with Swarovski to add their own special brand of bling to USB keys and in-ear headphones must have really taken off. Apparently enough Active Crystals units are currently gracing handbags and murses everywhere to warrant an update to the line, which now features -- wait for it -- color. For the low, low price of $99 you'll be able to take home a stunning pair of cans in luxurious "Space Violet." And if you're dead set on shelling out $179 to bedazzle your or your loved one's thumb drive in violet or black, you'll be in luck come Valentine's Day (awww, innit sweet?).%Gallery-12791%
Imation intros redesigned Pivot, new Pivot Plus flash drives
As if you didn't have enough options when scouting a totally locked down flash drive, Imation is cranking out a revamped Pivot and an all new Pivot Plus to quell your paranoia. As for the former, it provides "software encryption software," ReadyBoost compatibility and capacities up to 8GB, while the all new Pivot Plus ups the ante with 256-bit AES hardware encryption. And just in case you're still worried, the drive also features "one password-protected partition that only allows storage of encrypted data and a tamper-resistant housing." As for the refreshed Pivot, it's slated to land later this quarter in the US for $29.99 to $199.99, while the ultra-secure Pivot Plus is available as we speak in 1/2/4/8GB sizes for $69.99 to $249.99.
Corsair announces 32GB Flash Voyager / Flash Survivor drives
Not that 32GB flash drives are revolutionary or anything, but they're pretty far from being old hat. Thankfully, Corsair is readying a new pair to be unveiled at CES, both of which will boast USB 2.0 connectivity and fairly reasonable price tags considering the capaciousness. Both the Flash Voyager and the über-rugged Flash Survivor will be bumped to 32GB, and both should be able to withstand the desert heat with ease. The pain? $229.99 and $249.99, respectively, and both units should be making their way out as we speak.
Lenovo rolls out Olympic-themed USB drive
Lenovo long ago revealed its Olympic-themed laptops, but it looks like the company isn't done with the technology tie-ins just yet, as it's now trotted out a similarly-branded USB flash drive to go along with the laptops (or your own). As you can see, the thumb drive should at least match the laptop quite nicely, but there unfortunately doesn't seem to be any word as to what capacities will be available, or any other details for that matter. We're pretty sure you can expect them to roll out sometime before the Olympics get underway this summer, however, with 'em likely to demand a bit of a premium over other, non-Olympic drives.
LG's Vaccine USB flash drive keeps your machine disinfected
We've already taught you to not use syringes USB flash drives that you find on the street, but we know all sorts of unwanted invaders can meander on into your hard drive when you're not looking. Enter LG's aptly-named Vaccine USB flash drive, which comes pre-loaded with anti-virus / malware protection software and provides "real-time system monitoring and hardware scans." Aside from making sure your rig doesn't catch any bugs going around, it also updates itself when plugged in to an internet-connected PC. Regrettably, we've no idea how much these things will cost (nor if Medicare will cover), but they will be offered up in sizes ranging from 512MB to 8GB.[Via EverythingUSB, image courtesy of Pocket-Lint]
Buffalo introduces 32GB SHD-U32GS USB flash drive
Make no mistake about it, there's a couple of 32GB flash drives out there to be found if you look hard enough, but Buffalo reckons one more alternative won't hurt a thing. The capacious SHD-U32GS features USB 2.0 connectivity along with the company's heralded Turbo USB technology, which mysteriously promises up to 16-percent faster transfers than similar drives. Additionally, the unit weighs in at just 20 grams and measures 19- x 14- x 91-millimeters in size, and it can be yours in a matter of days for around ¥33,768 ($302).[Via AkihabaraNews]
Walletex uncovers ultrathin holiday flash drives
Just in case you missed the memo -- and have subsequently wondered why the mall traffic has been just unmanageable of late -- the holiday season is upon us, and there's no better way to celebrate than by picking up one of Walletex's newest flash drives. Granted, the firm only has Christmas and Hanukkah editions, but it is offering up a couple of motifs in each of the aforementioned flavors. The wallet-sized cards are available now in sizes ranging from 128MB to 4GB, and while you can snag one for you or a loved one for as low as $26.95, don't expect to store too many jingles without ponying up quite a bit more.[Via ChipChick]Read - Christmas flash cardsRead - Hanukkah flash cards
Mimoco announces new line of Star Wars-themed flash drives
Those disappointed by the character selection in Mimoco's original lineup of Star Wars-themed flash drives will soon have a few more familiar, if somewhat distorted, faces choose from, as the company has just announced its second series of drives. Included this time around are Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and perennial geek favorite, Boba Fett. Each are also available in the same 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB varieties as before, but they're a bit cheaper this time around, running $50, $70, and $110, respectively. Just don't plan on doling out these this holiday season, as they won't start shipping until January or February.
Wine bottle flash drive: too sweet for our tastes
At this point, it's hard to envision an object that hasn't been miniaturized for the purpose of creating yet another novel flash drive, so you won't color us wowed with BeWine Connected's latest. This wine bottle USB drive packs Open Cellar wine cellar management software, a screensaver / wallpaper and wine-influenced ringtones (saywha?) onto 1GB of internal storage, but we'd be tempted to promptly format the thing upon arrival. Nevertheless, those interested in expanding their weird-but-still-useful collection of thumb drives can hand over €35 ($50) and claim one more solid addition.[Via Gizmag]
J. Lo brings latest album to Gresso flash drive
Nah, J. Lo won't go down as the first artist to sell an album via flash drive, but she's certainly raising the bar concerning price. Apparently, Gresso has landed an agreement with Sony BMG Music Entertainment that allows it to distribute Lopez's "Brave" album on the Adam&Eve flash drive, which features 1GB of storage and is crafted from African Mahogany or African Blackwood. Word on the street has this one landing later this month for around $70, and while it's only a supposition, we could definitely see this thing selling better without the musical connection. [Warning: PDF read link][Via Luxist]
Customizable MIXA USB tape brings back the retro
Looking to scratch that retro itch? If so, you'll likely find oodles of satisfaction in the MIXA USB tape, which not only weds the modernness of a USB flash drive with the old school flavor of a cassette, but also bows down to your funky fresh customization skills. You heard right -- those interested can select a black or white 1GB tape, add on any design they choose and cough up £19.99 ($41) to have it shipped anywhere in the world. Finally, the perfect complement to your shoulder-mounted USB boombox.[Thanks, Earl]
SiliconDrive USB Blade gets tiny for embedded storage applications
Cramming 2GB of storage space into a device no larger than a standard postage stamp isn't exactly unheard of, but SiliconSystems has done just that with its new SiliconDrive USB Blade. Hailed as the "industry's first ultra-small solid state drive for embedded storage applications," this wee device feels most at home when shoved into incredibly tight quarters on any flavor of PCB. Additionally, the USB 2.0-compliant device is designed to handle shock, vibrations and extreme temperatures, and it features read / write rates of 10MB/sec. The firm plans on releasing these in 512MB and 1GB flavors as well, and while we've no idea when to expect 'em on store shelves, evaluation units and host developer tool kits should be available in December.[Via SlashGear]
EDGE Tech intros $400 32GB DiskGO USB flash drive
32GB USB drives are certainly not new, but considering the astronomical pricetags they tend to sport, they haven't exactly caught fire with budget-conscious gadget lovers. EDGE Tech is apparently hoping to change that by offering up its capacious 32GB DiskGO for "just" $399.95. Granted, it's not like our bargain alerts are going haywire over that figure, but we suppose it's not too unreasonable considering the alternatives. Ah well, at least you won't have to worry over this thing attracting the ever-wandering eyes of gadget thieves -- you know, considering how the unadorned exterior hides its true value and all.[Via MobileMag]
ATP's diminutive Petito USB flash drives help fight breast cancer
As with most late-Septembers, we're beginning to see a few pinked gizmos roll out in support of the impending National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This go 'round, we've got a special edition of ATP's Petito USB flash drive that touts a "Pink Ribbon" motif and comes in 512MB, 1GB and 2GB flavors. Aside from being fairly tiny, each drive sold will help fund breast cancer research and support "education, screening and treatment projects" around the globe. The trio is available now at a variety of retailers starting at $19.99.
OCZ offers up rugged ATV / ATV Turbo USB flash drives
We wouldn't guesstimate that OCZ's newest duo of flash drives were the toughest we've ever seen, but the styling alone is pretty intimidating, we must say. Both drives reportedly tout weatherproof "rubber tread" housings and can withstand being submerged in water, and while the ATV will hum along "at mainstream speeds," the ATV Turbo promises read rates of up to 35MB/per second and write rates of up to 30MB/per second. No official pricing details look to be available just yet, but both iterations should be available shortly in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB sizes.[Via SlashGear]
InnoDisk's 32GB Flash Disk ExpressCard also does USB 2.0
Neither 32GB USB keys nor 32GB SSD ExpressCards are anything new, but wedding the two ideas into a swank dual interface drive is a commendable twist. Notably, InnoDisk has done just that, as its 32GB Flash Disk plays nice with both ExpressCard slots and USB 2.0, touts a read speed of around 30M/S, a write speed of 20M/S, and also arrives in a few smaller capacities for those not needing all 32 gigs. Unfortunately, there's no word on price at the moment, but we'll keep our eyes peeled.
Disney-themed USB keys lock kids into childish environments
While we've seen USB-based peripherals that aim to keep your youngsters in a safe and innocent PC environment, Bandai and Buffalo have teamed up to make kid-friendly computing a bit more bearable. The duo has crafted a unique USB key, which is slated to be available in Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh versions, that simultaneously locks the PC into "Kid Mode," password protects the parent's session in the background, and opens up a world of mom-approved fun for the little ones to enjoy. The software that resides on the key includes a dedicated browser for safe surfing, a time regulator to keep them from growing addicted, and options for parents to select precisely what apps their offspring can / can't access. Reportedly, the units are expected to land in mid-September over in Japan, and while pricing has yet to be confirmed, we're hearing it'll run you around ¥3,480 ($30).
