Silicon Systems introduces their new USB Blade SiliconDrive, an ultra slim, ultra small USB drive designed for embedded applications.

Although it’s not the first embedded USB drive we’ve seen, it does have the smallest foot print.

Silicon Systems put the USB Blade out for those seeking additional storage where space is a big concern. Designed for shock, vibration and temperature changes the USB Blade does aid in the embedded applications market.

At the size no bigger than a postage stamp, the USB Blade includes Silicon Systems PowerArmor, SiSMART and (more…)

Buffalo figured out a way to turbo boost USB 2.0 to claim increased transfer speed of up-to 60%.

So what’s the deal? Buffalo gives no detail to this increased performance and makes a broad statement about Windows and Mac compatibility for the two new USB Turbo products, the MiniStation and DriveStation.

I would figure Buffalo addressed power issues as many USB devices have poor power management which directly effects performance.

The Buffalo MiniStation with Turbo USB is a portable storage device designed to withstand durable environment such as bumps, drops and turbulence (what?) you’d experience in everyday life.

The Buffalo DriveStation with Turbo USB is a tower configuration ideal for home or office and includes a 7200 RPM SATA drive with Turbo USB enhancements.

The MiniStation has a price range of $99 to $250
The DriveStation has a price range of $130 to $500.

Buffalo Turbo USB information page

Rugged flash drives have been a trend these last couple months. Manufacturers see how popular flash drives continue to be and conclude a more durable version is needed for every day use. So along with the never-ending quest of more data storage, manufacturers are developing ways to make UFDs last longer and handle more abuse.

We put the question out there, “What’s the worst your flash drive went through?” and this is what we found:

It’s predictable that our most popular abuse was dropping them. Although it doesn’t sound like a much, it can be. Flash drives - well the memory in them - are sensitive and cannot take large amounts of shock. Many times dropping a drive from your table top is good enough to damage the drive.

I did find it interesting the next most frequent UFD abuse came from submersing them in water. I’ll assume in this case, the most common mistake is forgetting about the drive and accidentally washing it.

Whatever your daily routine, it’s worth taking an extra few minutes to search out the right flash drive for your habits. Rugged flash drives will become more popular as 1) materials drop in price to build a better box and 2) users continue to put more and more valuable information on their flash drives. (more…)

We’ve seen rugged flash drives before, we’ve seen indestructible flash drives before, but to throw a flash drive in mud really drives home the point of a rugged flash drive.

Corsair introduces their latest USB entry, the Survivor, design for those with a very active lifestyle.

Apparently there is a world of extreme sports going on where flash memory is apart of the ensemble.

(more…)

The CoSoSys Carry It Easy software we recently reported will now be found, pre-installed, on the ATP USB ToughDrive. The preloaded CoSoSys software will allow for quick and easy sync of email, contacts and personal bookmarks.

If not familiar with the ATP ToughDrive, it’s a ruggedized flash drive designed to withstand water, dust, static discharge and extreme temps.

Include the Secure It Easy software from CoSoSys and now you’re not only portable but iron-clad secure too. (more…)

So we’ve seen UFDs that withstand 2,000 pounds of weight, we’ve seen underwater flash drives and we’ve seen rugged flash drives, but what about all of that, plus the security of anti-shock and anti-static? After all, UFDs are most susceptible to static electricity which is a leading factor in failing flash drives.

Slava Tyukalov answered this call with his highly customized and durable flash drive line specifically designed to address these types of issues, the Titan.

Each Titan is hand made with the highest quality materials and the greatest level of care. Here’s the run down: Each flash drive starts with a graphite/aluminum composite metal combination to create a light yet very durable enclosure, this type of mixture is something you’d see in NASA products or prototypes, next coat the UFD with (more…)

For the select few a rugged keyboard is the only solution, and I’m not just talking about Police, Fire and military what about kids and their infinite number of juice cups which always find their way onto your keyboard.

Staco Switch just released their USB ruggedized keyboard and although not priced for the home user, it is the leading edge keyboard system for police, fire, EMT and military. The M779 Keyboard series connects via USB and has a small built-in touchpad. The QWERTY keyboard is compact and designed for tight-fit applications and use. What’s especially nice about this keyboard is (more…)