Speed and Compatibility

Today on the market there are mainly flash drives of the second and third generations (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, respectively). In terms of technical indicators, the third series definitely wins: the devices not only provide a higher speed of operation, but also allow you to simultaneously write and read from the device. Most flash drives have a data transfer rate of up to 30 Mbps. But this is not the limit: for the USB 2.0 interface, the limit value is 480 Mbps, and for USB 3.0 it is ten times higher. According to the assurances of the developers, the connection ports for both generations are mutually compatible. However, the real speed will be limited by the senior link. Those. The fastest USB 3.0 flash drive plugged into a 2.0 socket will not operate faster than 480 Mbps.

If the flash drive has to be connected via an extension cable, it is important that the extension cable matches the type of device being connected. If you connect a lower generation flash drive to your computer using an older series extension cable, the hardware may not work properly, or the system may not recognize the device at all. You can find out if the extension cable is suitable for your flash drive by reading the markings on the cable. The version of the device must be specified (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.).

Data volume

The main selection criterion for most users is the amount of device memory. If the flash drive is used as an intermediary that drags documents from work to home and back, you can get by with two to four gigabytes. If, in addition to standard documents created in office programs, you have to deal with heavy presentations, for example, PowerPoint, you should focus on 8 GB. This volume is enough to transport a couple of films. Fans of computer games and high-quality video can be advised with a drive with a capacity of 64 GB or more. In the latter case, high-speed media are recommended, because the larger the amount of information, the more time it takes to write and read it.

Durability

Theoretically, regular overwriting of information should inevitably lead to wear of the flash drive. This is not entirely true. Of course, drives wear out, but this happens slowly - manufacturers claim that the device can withstand from 100K to 1 million rewrite cycles without loss of quality. And the period during which information is stored without loss is usually 5 years. The most advanced flash drives have a data retention period twice as long.

The external environment also affects the life of the device. In addition to possible mechanical damage, a flash drive can be damaged by radiation and static electricity. And if users practically do not encounter excess radioactive background, then static discharge is not uncommon.

Appearance and functionality

A flash drive is a relatively simple and fairly cheap device. Therefore, within the same price category, the technical characteristics of the models are approximately the same. In a competitive environment, you can only attract a buyer with the design of models. And manufacturers are actively using the external factor. On the market are devices for every taste - from minimalist to glamorous flash drives in the form of key rings and pendants. But there are times when looks matter. Shockproof housings made of metal or rubber have gained great popularity. If the device has to be used on the road, outdoors, in workshop or laboratory conditions, the shock-resistant case is indispensable.

Also pay attention to the beacon - a small indicator light, by blinking which you can determine whether the drive is working at the moment. When you need to transfer files from a computer to a USB flash drive and vice versa, this function is very convenient. But if you're playing music or watching a movie on your device, the flashing beacon can be distracting.