U
SB storage keys are so
ubiquitous that they’ve
become the toasters of the
computer world. They come in a
wide variety of shapes and sizes,
but in the end they all do pretty
much the same thing. So how
does a USB key distinguish itself
from the rest of the pack? By being
different, that’s how. Come along
as we look at three USB storage
devices that aren’t quite like the
others. One sports a shiny metal
body. One is incredibly small. And
one is more than meets the eye.
—TAE K. KIMSanDisk Cruzer
Titanium USB
The Cruzer Titanium 512MB
USB from SanDisk is a slim and
attractive USB 2.0 storage device
with a titanium-coated case that
makes it a stylish yet sturdy
portable drive. This is the USB
key James Bond would take with
him on missions. The Cruzer also
sports an LED activity light and a
cleverly designed
retractable USB
connector that’s
accessed via a
thumb slide.
The device comes
preloaded with a
suite of useful software that
includes PocketCache , a program
that can make periodic backups of
a specified file or folder, allowing
you to retain and restore lost files
with the click of a button.
Unfortunately, the PocketCache
software isn’t free. The Cruzercomes with a 90-day trial version
of the utility, but you’ll have to
pony up $20 to keep using it. We
should also note that the Cruzer’s
titanium coating is somewhat
susceptible to scratches. But these
are just minor knocks against an
otherwise solid USB key.Victorinox SwissMemory
The SwissMemory by Victorinox
is an update to the classic Swiss
Army knives that have adorned
key chains for years. It comes
loaded with the standard array of
useful implements but it features
a modern addition: a detachable
128MB USB key.
The USB key is tucked right
alongside the more traditional
tools: a pair of scissors, a knife,
a file, a retractable pen, and a
useful integrated LED flashlight
that only adds to the geek
quotient. Unfortunately, we were
disappointed by the slow transfer
rate of the USB key’s outdated
USB 1.1 interface. We also found
it sorely missing a Phillips-head
screwdriver. For the time being,
we’ll gladly use the SwissMemory
to reenact our favorite scenes from
McGuyver , but the device definitely
needs an upgrade.PQI Intelligent Stick 2.0
The 128MB Intelligent Stick
USB storage device from PQI is
small. Really, really small. The
diminutive storage element is
about the size of a stick of gum
and has a stripped-down USB 2.0
connector at the end; the fact that
PQI is able to cram up to a gig of
storage into these devices is pretty
darn impressive. A handy USB
adapter, which adds a measure
of protection to the unit while
adding only a negligible amount
of bulk, is also included in the
package. The adapter is cleverly
designed so the IStick will only fit
when it’s properly aligned.
Unfortunately, there’s notmuch more to say about the IStick.
It’s the smallest USB storage device
we’ve ever tested—but surely you
know the old adage regarding
size and its relative importance.
PQI has plans to release a line of
MP3 players that will be IStick
compatible; when those become
available, the Intelligent Stick will
become a much more attractive
storage option.Unusual USB Keys
Three portable storage devices that are different
in a good wayVictorinox SwissMemoryIt’s a Swiss Army knife with a USB key!BARBARA EDENBARBRA STREISAND
USB key is slow, bulky, and offers limited capacity.$100, http://www.victorinox.comMA XIMUMPC VERDICT 6
The venerable Swiss Army
knife gets a hi-tech face-lift
with the addition of a useful,
albeit slow, USB storage key.Reviews
The Cruzer
Titanium’s
retractable
USB connector
prevents you
from losing the
cap.Attractive, sturdy, and comes with great bundled
software.CRUISINGBRUISING$200, http://www.sandisk.comMA XIMUMPC VERDICT 9
Too bad the PocketCache software isn’t free.SanDisk Cruzer TitaniumWe call this one Tiny Tim
because it’s so, um, tiny. Still,
it can be had in capacities up
to 1GB.90 MA XIMUMPC NOVEMBER 200 4
VERDICT
PQI Intelligent StickIt’s tiny and it works.INVADE ZIMBUTT UGLY MARTIANS
Besides its size, there’s no other special
functionality.
$40, ($170 for 256MB, $140 for 512MB, $230
for 1GB), http://www.pqi.com/twMA XIMUMPC 8