Removable USB Flash drives for your computer are nothing new. With increasing storage capacity and falling prices, it's easy to shuttle around tons of important photos, presentations, spreadsheets and documents. The trouble is that the more you carry, the more you risk if you misplace a drive or leave it plugged into a public computer somewhere. Whether you transport sensitive data, figures or passwords, or want to add a strong layer of security in the event of loss, here are two recommended products.
Sandisk Cruzer Biometric USB Drive - At about $30 street, this is a 1 Gb capacity removable drive that uses built-in fingerprint identification technology to restrict access to the designated user of the unit. PROS: robust protection at a low cost. CONS: Two-piece design can be inconvenient to carry and use. Can't be shared among a team if that's your interest.
Corsair's Flash Padlock USB Flash Drive - At about $30 street for the 1 Gb capacity/$40 for the 2 Gb capacity, this newer approach allows the user to program in a PIN, much like an ATM machine. PROS: Robust protection at a low cost. Larger capacity options. Lock/unlock indicator lights. Auto locks when unplugged. CONS: None.
Tip: If you plan to use this hardware with Windows Vista, visit the manufacturer's site for compatibility information.
Sandisk Cruzer Biometric USB Drive - At about $30 street, this is a 1 Gb capacity removable drive that uses built-in fingerprint identification technology to restrict access to the designated user of the unit. PROS: robust protection at a low cost. CONS: Two-piece design can be inconvenient to carry and use. Can't be shared among a team if that's your interest.
Corsair's Flash Padlock USB Flash Drive - At about $30 street for the 1 Gb capacity/$40 for the 2 Gb capacity, this newer approach allows the user to program in a PIN, much like an ATM machine. PROS: Robust protection at a low cost. Larger capacity options. Lock/unlock indicator lights. Auto locks when unplugged. CONS: None. Tip: If you plan to use this hardware with Windows Vista, visit the manufacturer's site for compatibility information.
