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Is this flash drive a decent buy?

16 years ago

I've been thinking about finding another way to back up my files rather than using disks. I found this Kingston 1GB Data Traveler USB 2.0 Flash Drive - DTI/1GBKR for $10 at Buy.com; in fact w/ Google checkout I'd save $10 so it would be free. What I'm wondering is if using this kind of backup is the way to go. Mostly I'm wanting to back up my home Quicken files, internet favorites, a file smaller word doc files & perhaps occasional photos.

I was wondering if I should consider backing up to a couple of these on a rotational basis in case one should ever go bad (if that can happen). Or if this is the way to go at all. I use only one computer so I'm not taking the data anywhere; just wanting to save things.

Do you think this is a decent buy or should I be looking at something else? Also, was wondering.....are flash drive & memory stick synonomous?

Thanks much for your help.

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Comments (8)

owbist
16 years ago
Your idea of using 2 thumb drives makes perfect sense. Then you always have 2 backups up to the point of the older copy. Not too much would be lost. Kingston has a respected name so you are doing good there too.

Flash drive, thumb drive, memory stick all similar. However I have 2 what I call thumb or flash drives which are a one piece thing you simply plug in a USB port. I also have one which has a removeable memory card the same as those used in digital cameras. This also uses the USB port of course, I am not sure if it has any advantages over the one piece drives. We'll see what others think on the matter hopefully.
mikie_gw
16 years ago
Something to think about...
If you could wake me up, maybe I could explain.
Somethings may fail to be readable after being backed up from a NTFS formated drive to a FAT drive. Its a matter of the NTFS encryption, FAT wont support ntfs encryption.
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DA_Mccoy
16 years ago
I am not a big supporter of placing stored critical data on the same media. I recommend alternative media normally CD and flash. Just another broad precaution against hardware failure.

So you know, this week's Best Buy circular has a 2GB flash drive for $38.99 with a $19 instant rebate. OTD $19.99. I paid that much for my 1/2 GB when I first bought mine.

DA
randy_ca
16 years ago
I prefer Kingston Data Travelers and have a couple.
That is a good deal, especially if you can take advantage and get it for free.
For long term back up, a CD or DVD would be best.
Prices at Fry's this weekend.
1GB $5.99 after rebate
2GB $9.99 after rebate
4GB $17.99 after rebate
kim0201
Original Author
16 years ago
Really appreciate the responses. The prices at Fry's sound great, but because of my location, I plan to buy online & didn't find the same deal on their website unfortunately. The one I mentioned in my original post is free w/ google checkout & free shipping. Guess I can't argue w/ that. I'm just glad to know I was looking at the right thing. Thanks again for your comments; very helpful.
kim0201
Original Author
16 years ago
Have one add'l question if you don't mind.... Thought these might be good stocking stuffers for our daughters. Are these universal? The girls have Macs. I didn't see anything in the ads saying the weren't but thought it good to ask.

Thanks again.
gipster
16 years ago
Hi Kim, Your USB drive should work with a Mac ,no problem.
Hope this helps ya.
kim0201
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks gipster - perfect answer. Stocking stuffer it is....

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