Resources & Support

Over the past few years, USB flash drives have revolutionized the way many people store and transport data between computers. Compatible with both Macs and PCs, flash drives offer once unheard of storage capacity on a drive no bigger than a pack of gum. Because they contain no movable parts (the data is stored on a memory card), flash drives are also far more durable than some of their predecessors, such as Zip disks. With so many models available and so many options to choose from, how can you decide which flash drive is right for you? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Physical size. One of the strongest selling points for USB flash drives is their portability. Many flash drives are small enough to slip in a shirt or pants pocket, or even attach to a keychain. If your computer’s USB ports are positioned close together, you’ll want to find a flash drive that’s thin enough to slide in, without blocking access to the neighboring ports. Given the wide array of choices on the market, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Storage capacity. Another factor to consider is actual storage size. As the technology behind flash drives improves, so, too, does storage capacity. Decide up front how you’ll plan on using your flash drive. If you’ll routinely need to transfer large amounts of data between computers, you’ll want to invest a little more in a higher-capacity unit. However, if you’ll need it primarily for less memory-intensive files and data, you can save a little money by opting for a smaller-capacity model.

Data security. Some of the data you deal with on a regular basis is no-doubt confidential in nature. If you plan to use a flash drive to transport such information from one PC to another, you might want to opt for a drive with built-in security features, such as data encryption and password protection. Some flash drives even add biometric fingerprint scanning to their repertoire.

Additional features. While many flash drives are simply plug-and-play data storage units, some come with other features built-in. For example, some offer voice recording, built-in MP3 players, and more. Keep these in mind as you choose the unit that’s right for you.

Improving flash drive performance. Whichever flash drive you ultimately choose, you’ll want to take certain steps to ensure its longevity. For starters, make sure you always take the proper steps when removing the drive from your computer. On the PC side, this means choosing the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon in the lower right-hand corner of your screen and waiting for the LCD to stop flashing before removing the unit from its USB port. On the Mac side, it means dragging the drive’s desktop icon to the eject button on the dock. Also, make sure you store the flash drive in a safe place, where it won’t get lost or damaged.

In the end, choosing a flash drive comes down to balancing features, cost, storage capacity, and size against your anticipated needs. Once you’ve done this, finding the right unit will be much easier to do.