Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of hardware we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to USB Flash Drive.

Click here for a complete side-by-side comparison of USB Flash Drive

You may also be interested in these review sites... CD Burning Software Data Backup Software Data Recovery Software Online Storage Services Audiobook Services

Ratings

Product Features

We graded the USB flash drives according to their read and write speeds in addition to other features, such as a retractable USB connector or swivel cap, if the device is water resistant and if it comes with accessories.

Included Software

We considered any software included with the jump drive. Common software includes security programs, sync tools and virtual application platforms.

Value

This criterion takes into account the price of the flash drive compared to how much storage space it offers. We took an average of the storage space offered by each of the different sizes of drives and compared it to the price.

Support/Warranty

Manufacturers should provide first-class customer service through online documentation like FAQs or a knowledge base, and customers should be able to reach customer support by phone or email. This criterion also considers if the drive comes with a warranty—the best flash drives come with a limited lifetime warranty.

PRODUCT FEATURES

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Certified

All flash drives in this review are compatible with 2.0 USB ports for maximum speeds during data transfer.

Retractable USB Connector

The USB connector will retract into the body of the jump drive. This is practical because it protects the connector, keeps it clean and there is no cap to lose.

Swivel Cap

The thumb drive has a cap that covers the USB connector that swivels to expose the connector. This protects the connector, keeps it clean and there is no cap to lose.

Water Resistant

The flash drive can be submerged in water and still function properly.

Accessories

Lanyard

The USB flash drive comes with a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck or hook it to a bag for safekeeping.

Keychain Grommet

The USB drive has a ring so you can hook it to your keys.

INCLUDED SOFTWARE

Virtual Application Platform

The drive has preinstalled software that allows you to run small applications from your flash drive. These programs might include email applications, password managers, backup applications, photo organizers and more.

Sync Tool

The drive has preinstalled software that allows you to sync two different computers. This is very practical to transfer data from a work computer to a home computer.

Password Protected

You can set up your drive so a password is required to access the data.

SKYPE

The drive has SKYPE preinstalled on it. SKYPE is a program that allows you to make phone calls through a computer with an Internet connection.

Antivirus

The drive has preinstalled antivirus software.

Encryption

The flash drive has software that will encrypt your data to provide an extra level of protection.

Partitioning

The drive has software that allows you to create petitions. This is valuable when you have sensitive data you want to keep secure and data to share. It allows a portion of the drive to remain safe while the other portion is easily accessible.

Photo Manager

The drive comes preinstalled with photo management software. This handy tool will store and organize your photographs.

Other

The drive has other software preinstalled not listed above.

Sizes Offered

In the Value section, we listed all of the sizes available in each of the drives. We also listed the cost per megabyte of storage so you can see which drive will give the most storage for your money.

SUPPORT/WARRANTY

Telephone Support

The manufacturer provides a phone number so you can contact customer support with questions.

Email Support

The manufacturer provides an email address so you can contact customer support via email.

Live Chat

The manufacturer provides live chat so customers can chat, via the Internet, with a customer service representative.

Knowledge Base

There is a database of information on the USB flash drive. Knowledge bases are typically searchable by keyword so you can find the information you need.

User Manual / User Guide

The flash drive comes with a user manual.

FAQ

The Frequently Asked Questions page has the answers to common questions.

User Forums

The manufacturer provides an area where customers can post questions and read answers to questions.

Lifetime Warranty

The USB flash drive comes with a lifetime warranty.

10-year Warranty

The jump drive comes with a 10-year warranty.

5-year Warranty

The thumb drive comes with a 5-year warranty.

  ©2003 – 2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc.