[matthewengel]

Does the quality of USB memory sticks depend on the brand?
For example, is a SanDisk USB better than a generic brand?


I want to buy a 8GB USB without breaking the bank. Which brand and model should i get?

[Kilme]

Sorry, but I'm not an expert on flash drive brands. I know many of the companies already though, since they make other things. I try to stay away from the brands I've never heard of though. Here are a couple of options:
OCZ: $35.99, rubber housing (waterproof)
Corsair: $39.99, $10 rebate
Patriot: $33.99, higher speed, water resistant
Note that there are a lot more out there, but these are a few that stood out to me for a decent price. On a side note, it makes me sad thinking about what I paid for my first USB drive. I paid $100 for 1GB a few years ago, now ~$30 can get you 8GB. :_|

[lincolnb]

Have an addiction to Flash Drives and have many brands. Never had a problem until I bought off E Bay.



Avoid NO NAME ones on E Bay. I purchased one there, seemd fine when I first rec'd it. Ended up killing two computers and there is no name on it and seller could not be reached.

[rgreen4]

Be careful about those that have U3 on them. You cannot delete the U3 functionality and they cost a little more. They are helpful if you have a need for some small transportable applications, but sometimes they can be a hassle.

I don't like those that have the retractable connector like some Sandisk units, but prefer the slip off caps. Unlike some, I refuse to wear one around my neck so a lanyard is unimportant to me.

I have had the best luck with PNY units, they are simple and straightforward. Unless you have a real need for 8 Gigabyte on one stick, I would go with multiples because they will all cease to work at some time. Never use them to store data long term. A slight static charge when suddenly unplugging one and bye bye data. Never remove one without going through the process of un-mounting it from the machine first.

[CJLee89]

you can remove U3 via the U3 remover on U3's website. and if you want it back, you can also re-install it.

[piyushsingh]

I agree. It can be removed. But i m not sure whether it can be reinstalled or not.

[lincolnb]

U3 gave me a real problem also. Was able to remove it by installing it on a 2nd computer. Would not buy one with that feature again. If it has it on I would remove it before using it. Was told by Mfr. of my Digital Photo Frame that U3 is not compatible with my Smartparts frrame.