USB Storage

lokem · Mar 27, 2002

Originally posted by setscrew
I think this is an idea whose time has come (I only wish the price was lower for the larger sizes (>128)). Burning CD-R(W)s are great for large file sizes, but it rather cumbersome for files you just need to transfer once or contains a file size does not make efficient use of the CD medium. CDs will still have their place for some time to come, but I see this as the new Zip drive once they are USB 2.0 compatible (tremendous speed increase). The cross platform flexibility is major plus.

Agreed. I'm still putting off my purchase for one of those USB sticks due to the price for a 128MB module. IOmega has a product called MicroDrive (http://www.iomega.com/microdrive/index.html). But I reckon its price is way up there as well

lokem · Apr 9, 2002

You guys gotta see this. Hopefully this hasn't been posted elsewhere:

SmartDisk FireFly 5GB USB
Full review April 8th, 2002

Pros: Extremely portable; attractive look; good performance; no AC adapter required.
Cons: Somewhat pricey at around $225.
Verdict: SmartDisk's FireFly is a truly portable storage solution, with fast transfers and a small size.

Amidst the many USB 2.0 storage devices on the market, few have been able to make the claim of being portable. Sure, these drives are external and can be carried around, but they're not really viable solutions as portable devices. SmartDisk has answered the call with their FireFly 5GB USB portable drive, aimed at taking advantage of USB 2.0 speed, but also being something truly portable.

First Impressions & Installation

Right off the bat, the FireFly will wow you with its impressive size; not impressive in the overwhelming sense, but the lack thereof. In comparison, the FireFly is around the same size as a deck of cards, although a little thinner. Design-wise, the drive is quite nice, with a sleek silver and black look. The USB port is in the back, providing both data and power so you don't have to lug the AC adapter around like with many devices. Two lights adorn the top, indicating drive & power activities.

Checked the price list from PriceGrabber. It's retailing at ~USD$182. I guess this is a LOT more affordable than the memory sticks There are higher capacity models as well, but they're only for Macs.

Source: www.hardocp.com

Mac_Bug · Apr 9, 2002

if I was using a Mac I'd just use ipod

LNCPapa · Apr 10, 2002

There is software that allows you to use an iPod on a PC now - so that's not an excuse anymore.

LNCPapa

Th3M1ghtyD8 · Apr 10, 2002

Have you considered a USB hard drive. Although ready built ones are pretty expensive, I have seen some 5.25" and 3.5" USB - IDE enclosures for about £45. Slap in an old hard drive - a couple of gig. The speed isn't great unless you have USB2, but otherwise it should be okay.

lokem · Apr 10, 2002

Originally posted by Th3M1ghtyD8
Have you considered a USB hard drive. Although ready built ones are pretty expensive, I have seen some 5.25" and 3.5" USB - IDE enclosures for about £45. Slap in an old hard drive - a couple of gig. The speed isn't great unless you have USB2, but otherwise it should be okay.

I was thinking of getting one myself since it was rather inexpensive. However, it needs an extra power source which was a very big deterrent for me. Besides, it's rather huge as well

TechSpot

Welcome to TechSpot

USB Storage

lokem Newcomer, in training Posts: 773

lokem Newcomer, in training Posts: 773

Mac_Bug Newcomer, in training Posts: 62

LNCPapa TS Special Forces Posts: 3,950 +120

Th3M1ghtyD8 TechSpot Paladin Posts: 794

lokem Newcomer, in training Posts: 773

Add New Comment

	Social Login & Guest Posting			TechSpot Members Login here or sign up for free, it takes about a minute.
Get complete access to the TechSpot community. Join thousands of technology enthusiasts that contribute and share knowledge in our forum. Get a private inbox, upload your own photo gallery and more.