SD cards are so popular today because the gigabyte capacity in relation to the form factor size is such a great trade off. The average user on the street would associate an SD card with a camera, but we know heavy users of SD cards use them for embedded operating systems, GPS systems and hand-held point of sale systems.

With that said, for those who need to mass data load content to Secure Digital cards, you might be looking for options on where to buy the gear. The following article, which has no affiliate links for commissions, lists some house-hold names who offer on-line purchasing of SD duplication gear.

SD card duplicators manufactured by Nexcopy are available from a variety of different on-line retailers. The models available from the manufacturer range in different sizes. The models also range between systems running from a host computer and systems which are stand alone. The following content will talk about both, PC based and standalone duplicators.

Wal-Mart is a growing on-line destination for purchasing technology equipment. Yes, Wal-Mart. For example, a user can buy a 20 target SD card duplicator from Wal-Mart.

This system is PC based and requires a very minimal Windows computer to run the software. You might ask, why a PC based system? What advantages are there with a system like this? Here are some bullet points on why a PC based system is a benefit:

We’ve read online that Microsoft’s May 2019 update might not install on systems that have USB flash drives or SD cards connected. According to Microsoft, the update is intentionally blocked when removable storage is detected because the operating system may reassign drive letters during the upgrade process.

At first glance, drive letter reassignment doesn’t sound like a serious issue, especially for removable devices. However, Microsoft also noted that internal hard drives could be affected by this drive letter shuffle.

That’s the red flag.

The newly published Windows 10 support documentation explains that systems already running the April 2018 update (version 1803) or the October 2018 update (version 1809) may receive the error message: “This PC can’t be upgraded to Windows 10.” This happens specifically when USB storage devices or SD cards are detected during the upgrade process.

Microsoft’s documentation does not indicate that internal drives will be reassigned when no removable media is present. That’s why the company chose to block the update entirely if a USB device or SD card is connected. Microsoft understands how critical mounted internal drives are to system stability, so this preventative block is their way of avoiding a potentially serious issue.

The Gatling gun is one of the earliest known rapid-fire, hand-cranked weapons. The Gatling design is a forerunner of the modern machine gun and rotary cannon. Invented by Richard Gatling, it saw limited use by Union forces during the American Civil War in the 1860s.

Megan Kening of Etsy has taken this historic concept and transformed it into a steampunk USB flash drive. The Gatling gun USB features remarkable detail, vivid LED illumination during operation, and a rotating barrel assembly when powered on.

Megan’s set includes the Gatling gun USB flash drive and a matching ballpoint pen, both presented in a wooden display case. Each piece is completely handmade using materials such as copper, brass, glass tubing, USB electronics, and a small motorized gear assembly.

Megan Kening has been featured previously on GetUSB, and his work continues to impress. With a near-perfect five-star rating from buyers, it is safe to say any purchase from Megan delivers both craftsmanship and originality. Additional photos appear below.

This is our second post in a series of eight featuring steampunk USB flash drives. Using classic steampunk materials such as brass, copper, glass, and stainless steel gears, this rocket ship–themed USB drive really comes to life.

Alex Slotzkin is based in Hawaii and has been a master craftsman for more than 30 years. He originally started in ceramics, spent time working in jewelry, and has since branched out into new mediums including digital technology and steampunk-inspired USB flash drives.

This rocket ship USB drive is priced at $125 USD and uses a SanDisk flash memory module for storage. The capacity is 32GB, and the drive illuminates when connected, blinking during data transfer just like a traditional USB flash drive.

Alex has accumulated more than 1,000 positive reviews, so if you are considering a purchase, chances are you will not be disappointed. Additional photos are shown below.

Who doesn’t love a steampunk flash drive, or steampunk anything for that matter?

Over the next few weeks, this site will be highlighting some truly outrageous steampunk USB creations.

First up is the Tesla Generator USB drive by Megan Kening from Israel. Crafted from materials such as copper, brass, glass, and paper, this is a fully handmade USB drive you simply will not find anywhere else. Megan’s work has received consistently strong reviews from buyers.

A handmade piece like this is available exclusively through Etsy.

Additional photos after the jump.

In a battle so old most users no longer think about it, Microsoft has moved away from requiring safe removal for USB flash drives. The original intent behind safe removal was to prevent data loss if a user unplugged a drive before an active write operation had completed.

In practice, data loss was uncommon unless a large file was actively being transferred, but it is notable to see Microsoft finally adapt to real-world user behavior.

The update that introduced this change arrived with Windows 10 version 1809. If you are unsure which version of Windows you are running, right-click the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of your screen and select System.

From the resulting screen, you can view the installed version of your operating system.