Well as the thread title states, anyone have any recommendations on USB flash drive sticks?
I want to get a pair, and wanted to know if anyone has had good luck with any particular brands. I know there are some bad apples out there, so I would be much obliged for any recommendations before I make a purchase.
I have about 20 gig of music, so 32 gig ones would be nice, but I could live easily with 8’s or 16’s.
There are two types of flash memory, SLC (single-level cell) and MLC (multi-level cell). The main difference between the two is that SLC is about twice as fast with the trade off of costing twice as much.
For the basic users these factors don’t really matter and the majority of flash drives available use MLC memory because of the price. SLC memory is also rated to last about twice as long at MLC memory. The catch is that most drives don’t tell you what type of memory is used. One of the only ways to tell is the cost, the more expensive a drive the more likely you are getting SLC memory. I recommend users look for some real world reviews of the drive that you might considering purchasing. Some of the better flash drives I have are:
Corsair Flash Voyager GT
OCZ ATV Turbo
Sandisk Cruzer Titanium Plus
and the Corsair Flash Survivor GT.
Basically shop around, read reviews, and I HIGHLY recommend SLC drives.
[QUOTE=Spike240sx;202779]There are two types of flash memory, SLC (single-level cell) and MLC (multi-level cell). The main difference between the two is that SLC is about twice as fast with the trade off of costing twice as much.
Thanks Spike - interesting. Is there NO way of knowing if a flash is SLC (vs. MLC)? At this price is an external HDD not an option? What are the (dis)advantages of a flash (other than size)?
For the record - I like Cruzer.
Most higher end online electronics stores will typically list what type it is. Look for a site that has this information. Its usually in “specs” tab area.
2 Big advantages of USB over External HDD-especially for music.
1-No moving parts. This means that the USB Drive is alot more resistant to drops, shocks, etc. Also Less weight and size for sure.
2-Speed. The fastest external HDD spinning 1 million kajigawatts still has to spin up and find the info. Yes, this may happen in easily less than 1/100000th blink of an eye, but its still time. This is biggest benefit in my opinion. Basically assures you of any error free reading from the drive.
I used to work for Sandisk in Scotland so I’m biased!!! Try the SanDisk Ultra usb drive, it has better speed. stay away from bottom end cruzer, the flash used is too slow
I actually ended up running to Best Buy last night, and picking up a 16 gig rocketfish thumb drive for $34.99. It works so far, and that’s all I can ask of it. Was able to bring some of my music over to my buddies place and work it in with his Serato setup. Was a lot of fun.
At some point I plan on getting a pair of 32 or 64 gig drives. I honestly only have about 20 gig of music, and it’d be nice to be able to bring /everything/ with me places. They are quite expensive though. Going from a 16 to a 34 is basically a $63 dollar increase in price.
So for now, I’m only bringing the essentials and don’t need to bring /everything/ with me. But man, I remember these things costing a hell of a lot more a few years back.
@spike really good info, I really had no idea. Definitely going to look into it with my next purchase.