Kingston DataTraveler I - USB flash drive - 2 GB

As I have previously stated many times, both in reviews and in what people may consider to be slightly dull conversations in the pub, I am a big fan of flash drives, preferring them to DVD or CD for storing and exchanging information between computers, and for that reason I have to confess that I do own several different flash drives of many brands, with many storage sizes.
I do own a few Kingston DataTraveler of several shapes and sizes, using each one for different types of work/play, but the particular one I am reviewing today is the 2GB Datatraveler.

** Specifications…

• 2 GB storage capacity
• Size 68 x 21 x 9 mm
• Plug and Play
• LED access indicator
• Interface: 1 Hi-speed USB - 4 pIN USB type A
• Password protection
• Included software is SecureTraveler
• OS needed are Linux 2.4 or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP, Apple MacOS X 10.x or later
• Transfer rate is up to 11MB/s read and up to 7MB write/s

** IN CONCLUSION…

Flash drives in general are ideal for storing and carrying data without the hassle of having a largish plastic case in your pocket.
Like I said I do own quite a few, including a few from Kingston themselves, including a 16GB, an 8GB and a 4GB, all of which have come in handy for me from day one.
This particular 2GB flashdrive is about the size of a cigarette lighter and will fit in you pocket with ease, the USB adapter being protected by a rather rigid plastic lid, which clips neatly onto the other end of the unit when it is in use, although do be careful that you don’t misplace this.

The Kingston range isn’t the most attractive of flash drives, being all mainly white plastic body, but they do come in a choice of a few colourful stripes covering the name, I believe this is dependant on the storage capacity of the drive itself, with this 2GB version having a sort of light ‘greeny’ coloured stripe, although the actual stripe is just for looks and has nothing at all to do with performance.

Using the unit is as easy as plugging in a kettle, simply insert it into one of the USB ports on your PC, its slightly rough, ragged looking sides are useful for gripping as you plug the flash drive in or out of the USB port. The flash drive should then be seen on you system as an external device, then it is a matter of either ’dragging’, ‘sending’ or ’copy or cut/paste your files to and from the unit…simple as that really.
You don’t even need to install drives to use this as it has a fantastic thing called ’Plug and Play’ which, as it sounds, simply plugs in and plays, so you can use this on most PCs without any hassle at all

** What will this 2GB unit hold..?

This does depend entirely on the size of your files you want to store, but for example it can possibly hold around 500 average size songs, a couple of thousand good quality pictures or even a few good quality movies, it all really does depend on files sizes.
But for me, 2GB is enough space for most people, especially if you only intend to use it for simple files storage for work maybe.
It has a multi format capability, being able to store what ever you throw at it, such as WAV, MP3, MP4, AVI and a lot more.
The transfer rate may not be the fastest compared to some other but with its 11MB/s reading and 7 MB/s write speed you wont be waiting around for things to happen.

** What is this installed ‘Securetraveler’ then..?

Quote… “SecureTraveler is Kingston's DataTraveler tool, enabling you to create and access a password-protected secure area, called a Privacy Zone, on your DataTraveler”

Basically, it is a way to protect your files which you’ve put onto the flash drive by means of a chosen password

Note: This may not work on certain systems, such as Windows 98 and Mac.

Anyway…
This good size flash drive fits nicely into my pocket without digging into my inner thigh when ever I walked along, which was a relief at times, and it save me the need to carry DVDs/Cds from system to system with that all important information.
I do tend to use this one mainly for personal work rather than work work, (if you know what I mean), and I find that it has so much storage space for what I need, which is important these days.
I do know that there are many flash drives out on the market with a larger storage capacity, with some being half the size of this Kingston device, but they are probably twice the price, but this particular device can be bought for around £15.00, although I have seen them going for a lot less depending on where you look.

In all, it is a good storage unit which will hold a lot of information ready for you to transfer from PC to PC. It may not be the cheapest on the market but on the other hand it is not the worlds most expensive.
If you can get it at a knock down price then jump at the chance as you will not be disappointed at all.

What more can be said about this flash drive..? Well it’s a Kingston and for me they are king when it comes to flash drives.