USB Flash Memory
A USB flash memory drive is an external storage device that is attached to computers, laptops and netbooks through the USB port. The USB flash drive, also called a thumb drive or a flash memory stick is similar to external memory drives in that they are both used for external storage, but USB flash memory drives are way smaller in size and also a smaller capacity for storage.
Tips for Buying a USB Flash Memory Drive
Storage space and the price are usually the first considerations when buying a USB flash memory drive. Most USB drives now come in storage sizes from1 GB to as large as 8 GB of memory. The larger the storage space, the more expensive the drive is.
The size of the drive itself is also another consideration. Look for thin and small flash drives, especially if you tend to have more than one flash drive plugged into the UB ports on your laptop or computer. In most cases USB ports are located side by side each other, and if you have a bulky USB drive you may not be able to plug another stick on the port next to it.
Avoid USB drives that need to install software as this can cause problems with your computer down the road. It is also a waste of time, considering plug and play USB drives are readily available.
Price is not really a consideration, since you can get a flash drive for less than $10 for about 3 GB of data. USB drives are available in most computer stores and department store office supply sections. Online, Amazon.com offers the widest range of brands and prices for USB flash memory sticks at prices a few dollars lower than offline stores.
Unconventional Uses for the USB Flash Memory Drives
Because of their small sizes and the unlimited options when it comes to colors and styles, USB flash drives are now increasingly developing a reputation as a great conference or office party give-away. USB drives are also great choices for promotional items, similar in a way to ballpoint pens in the past. USB flash drives are also being eyed for preloaded teaching materials to reduce the workload of teachers who in the past had to spend countless hours preparing a teaching plan for the class.
USBs are also used to boot up separate operating systems in one computer, to encrypt a drive or to speed up the processing power of any computer. Some USB flash drives also double as MPR players, with a jack for headphones and an LCD display to display song titles.