Flash drive recommendations
Apr 26, 2016, 4:53 pm
#16
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,154
I'm going to be a little contrarian on this, but when it comes to *safekeeping*, I wouldn't trust a usb flash drive for anything that I really was concerned about. They're great for moving things around, but long term reliability? I honestly couldn't even tell you how many I've had brought to me over the years from someone looking to try to recover files from one that's gone bad. Want to make a grad student cry? Tell them you can't recover their dissertation from a flash drive that's gone bad, and that's their only copy.
Apr 26, 2016, 5:28 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
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I'm going to be a little contrarian on this, but when it comes to *safekeeping*, I wouldn't trust a usb flash drive for anything that I really was concerned about. They're great for moving things around, but long term reliability? I honestly couldn't even tell you how many I've had brought to me over the years from someone looking to try to recover files from one that's gone bad. Want to make a grad student cry? Tell them you can't recover their dissertation from a flash drive that's gone bad, and that's their only copy.
Apr 26, 2016, 5:41 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Some hole
Posts: 2,783
I also intend to use the flash drive to copy files between my desktop and laptop. It's a pain where I have to transfer files using another method like emailing files back and forth. So thanks again for the advice.
I guess I'll be going with SanDisk.
Anyone have or have used/tried out the SanDisk Ultra or ?
I guess I'll be going with SanDisk.
Anyone have or have used/tried out the SanDisk Ultra or ?
Apr 26, 2016, 8:37 pm
#19
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
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Posts: 6,091
Maybe it's just me, but my USB 3.0 flash drive does not work with our old USB 2.0 laptop. I tried multiple times and it just won't read it. Works fine on my work laptop (T440).
Apr 26, 2016, 9:43 pm
#20
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Join Date: Nov 2009
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How about using the rj45 networking port with a Cat-5 crossover cable?
Apr 26, 2016, 10:04 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,401
Also, if you're putting any sensitive information (personal data, work stuff, etc.) on the drive, then look for one with built in hardware encryption. I have an encrypted Sandisk flash drive.
Also, would suggest going with USB 3, unless you have a computer at home or work that you're using that's only compatible with USB 2 (hardware limitation), as it's not backward compatible.
And bigger is better.
Also, would suggest going with USB 3, unless you have a computer at home or work that you're using that's only compatible with USB 2 (hardware limitation), as it's not backward compatible.
And bigger is better.
Apr 28, 2016, 3:16 am
#22
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May 1, 2016, 12:32 am
#25
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
Yes, my computer has a USB 3 drive. No I'm still debating on whether to get a 16 or 32GB now 
What I usually do is start with the 16GB base price and if the 32GB amounts to 5 dollars or less than the 16, then the 32 it is.
I'm interested in the SanDisks as well and been looking around but the negative reviews like slow benchmark speed are off putting. And I was looking at the CZ80 but i'm not sure if its worth paying 24 bucks for a 32GB USB 3 flash drive.
Will purchase on amazon.
What I usually do is start with the 16GB base price and if the 32GB amounts to 5 dollars or less than the 16, then the 32 it is.I'm interested in the SanDisks as well and been looking around but the negative reviews like slow benchmark speed are off putting. And I was looking at the CZ80 but i'm not sure if its worth paying 24 bucks for a 32GB USB 3 flash drive.
Will purchase on amazon.
May 3, 2016, 11:59 pm
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Some hole
Posts: 2,783
I'm sure you have tried/used it before? Have you tried the CZ48? If so, how does it compare to the CZ80?
May 5, 2016, 10:45 am
#27
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
Programs: *G
Posts: 4,866
flash drives are more useful when theyre always accessible. thats why i prefer to buy compact, metal, weather-resistant ones, that can be carried on a keychain.
the long plastic ones get stored in my various bags, drawers, pouches, and eventually gets lots. happened to so many of em...
the long plastic ones get stored in my various bags, drawers, pouches, and eventually gets lots. happened to so many of em...
May 5, 2016, 6:21 pm
#28
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
i haven't personally owned a CZ48 but every reviewer who has run CrystalDiskMark says they have very poor write performance. They might be OK for a read-mostly application.
May 6, 2016, 12:40 am
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Some hole
Posts: 2,783
I have several of the CZ80s and can confirm the excellent read and write performance over varying file sizes.
i haven't personally owned a CZ48 but every reviewer who has run CrystalDiskMark says they have very poor write performance. They might be OK for a read-mostly application.
i haven't personally owned a CZ48 but every reviewer who has run CrystalDiskMark says they have very poor write performance. They might be OK for a read-mostly application.
Happen to know where I can get the CZ80 for a good price?
May 10, 2016, 4:05 pm
#30
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
Regarding price, I just set a threshold price at camelcamelcamel.com and buy one from Amazon when that threshold is met. The unfortunate side effect is that I have way too many of these
