Are you shopping for a USB flash drive these days? Even if you say no, there are a few essential things you need to know when you want to buy a flash drive later. Things to consider when buying a flash drive: its capacity, processing speed, physical size, and so on
But there are other features that without knowing them, you won’t know if you’ve got something worth your money.
Before you run to the market, research your needs.
Basically what do you want to save? Images, videos, files in mp3 format, documents or something else?
How long do you want to carry the flash drive with you?
Do you use it to read from the inside rather than writing on a flash drive? Or vice versa?
Are there any features you really need (or want)?
How is your "pocket"?
Based on your answers to the above questions, focus on the following factors and features.
1) Capacity: Get more than you need
Depending on the files you want to save and transfer, your needs will also vary. If you plan to use it for mp3, video and photos, you will need much more space than working with text files. To get at least an approximate understanding, look at the size of the file you want to copy from your computer.
Try to get a USB with a higher capacity than you think you will need. It may help you more in the future. These days, for example, 2 gigabytes of capacity has become quite common.
2) Physical size: The smaller, the better
While not a groundbreaking contribution to the genre, if you want to carry a flash drive in your pocket like a home key, look no further. By the way, if possible, buy an option with a collapsible design or a cover that protects the metal part. But it would make sense that the lid would not fall off.
3) USB 3.0 / 2.0 flash: Press both at once
If not too expensive, sync with USB 2.0 flash drives on the one hand - buy new generation USB 3.0 flash drives. By doing so, you will be able to use it in the long run and work with most of the devices currently available.
If you do not have the latest model computer, then you will not have a USB 3.0 flash port. But it is far from realistic to get a 3.0 port computer to use USB on purpose. But if you have a USB 3.0 flash drive, it will be easier to work faster with your new computer in the future.
4) Brand: Don’t fly cheap
Most USB flash drives work quite reliably and we are far from praising any model. But beware of cheap "hashtag versions". If something is much cheaper than the rest and you have never heard of this brand before, be vigilant! Ask a little question before you take them.
Now let’s talk about the elements that manufacturers often “forget” to report. Many packages on the market may not even have the features listed in some editions. This means doing a little research first and then coming out. For example, if they are hiding information, there is nothing to brag about. If there was anything positive in them in these factors, believe me it would definitely be written on the packaging.
5) Reading speed: The faster, the better
This means the speed at which the files you write to flash memory will be read. The faster, the better. If you have to move large audio or video files, you will appreciate the speed. In this case, take the words on the packaging more seriously. Some will specify the maximum speed that can be applied by USB 3.0 / 2.0 instead of the current speed of the flash. The words "fastest" or "the fastest, high perfomance" can be useless.
USB 2.0 flash drives can work with up to 60MB of data per second, but basically 30MB / second is the norm. Aim around this speed.
6) Writing speed: The faster, the better
Do you want to use the flash drive to archive files or programs? Then this speed gives you the speed to write files to memory. The faster it is, the faster you can archive. When working with the same number of files, a difference of up to 20 minutes can be observed. Be sure to be wary of words on the packaging, such as writing speed.
Basically tracked at current speeds of up to 5MB / s. Aim for at least 10 megabytes per second.
7) Encryption: Of course if you want
If you don’t want the information you carry to be kept confidential or let anyone know when you lose it - this is for you. This feature is called encryption on the flash drive. There are methods of privacy using a computer or software. You are required to read the user manual or additional information on the flash drive.
8) Other features: It's better to forget
Some flash makers add audio, games, or other programs to the flash drive. Most of the people who use it find this type of add-on to be a “headache”, especially when they start downloading various programs from the internet or require you to install them on your computer.
So you’ve considered the features you need. Our advice is to keep your volume up with reading and writing speed at the top of your list. When you have explored these in your need, find at least 5 such flash drives and then make a decision.
9) Price: Good-bye!…
Thus, the biggest factor influencing your choice, PRICE. That’s why we put it to an end. Compare the flashlights you chose at the top and make sure the one you like fits in your pocket.
Remember, the cheapest is not always the best. If you choose the right one first, you will end up with the one that is worth your money the most.
Note: The following names of flash drives in English are also found in the new packaging: USB flash, Jump drive, Flash drive, Pen drive or Thumb drive
