By Ian Chiu

Some time ago, Corsair debuted their numeric padlock flash drive that allowed end users to unlock the storage by entering a four to ten digit PIN code. The obvious advantage of this implementation is to bypass software altogether, easily making it cross-platform friendly. However, the original version was hacked effortlessly by a group of dutch engineers armed with a simple 10K resistor.

To regain trust among consumers and lost reputation, Corsair is now back with Flash Padlock 2, and this time, the company didn’t take any chance by equipping the drive with 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Corsair also covers the components with epoxy compound to make it tamperproof; otherwise, the PCB would be exposed and likely be prone to hacking. In the performance department, you can expect the secure flash drive to hover around 17MB/s during read and 8MB/s during write. The Flash Padlock 2 is a bit weak in terms of small file write though, and it only comes in 8GB. Read on for the full review to check out all the extra security measures Corsair implemented to make drive safer.

[ Everything USB - Corsair Flash Padlock 2 Review ]

By Shane McGlaun

I used to try to carry a flash drive with me when I had a real job and actually left the house on occasion. More often than not, I left it at home because I forgot to pick it up and put it in my pocket. I tried a small flash drive that could fit in my wallet once, but it was too thick and made sitting uncomfortable.

A company called TopTech Products has announced a new flash drive that is shaped like a credit card and appears thin enough to not be a pain in the rear when sitting. The drive measures 3.4-inches x 2.1-inches x 0.11-inches.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Luke Anderson

I have two computers that sport eSATA ports on them that I’ve never touched. Sure, I even went the extra mile and made sure that the front ports on the case were hooked up, just in case I ever actually came across something useful that took advantage of it. It might finally come in handy if I ever picked up one of these new SSD drives from AO-Lab.

The new drive will instantly bring to mind thoughts of a USB flash drive, which is sort of is. It even has a USB connector, however, it also works with eSATA. If you happen to have a port that will take advantage of it, you can get read speeds that are almost 3x faster and write speeds that are twice as fast than if you used it with USB. If you’re one that does a lot of data transferring, this might be something to look into when it comes out. It will debut in 8, 16 and 32GB flavors. No word on pricing or availability.

[ AO-Lab ] VIA [ EverythingUSB ]

By Luke Anderson

I hate to admit it, but rarely when I am shopping for a new gadget do I consider how “green” a gadget is. Yes, I know that there are plenty of companies out there that go out of their way to make it known that their product is good for the environment, but you tend to pay a premium to be environmentally friendly. If you’re the type that strives to be “green” then you’ll like this Recycle USB flash drive.

This eco-friendly gadget’s exterior is made up from 100% recycled newspaper. Hopefully you don’t put much weight into looks, because this one is about as boring as they get. At least they’re being offered in capacities ranging from 512MB-16GB. No word on pricing or availability.

[ INF ] VIA [ UberGizmo ]

By Luke Anderson

I rather like those tiny USB drives that are only as big as is absolutely necessary. Unfortunately I tend to worry that I will either break or lose them. However, this new Flash Voyager Mini seems combines the rugged look and feel of their Voyager line with the tiniest of flash drives.

Essentially you have a tiny 4GB flash drive encased in rubber and set on a slider. Just move the button forward when you need to plug it in, and backward when not in use. It’s the perfect size to use as a keychain without really getting in the way. You can pick one up for just $29.99.

[ Corsair ] VIA [ EverythingUSB ]

By Luke Anderson

Rich people scare me. Okay, so not all of them do, but the ones that feel the need to spend $300 extra for an item that anyone else would pick up for dirt cheap. One such item I’m referring to is the Dunhill Bulldog USB Key, which is made from stainless steel and have a bulldog on the tip. No other special functions or abilities, yet for some reason it will run you $350. I guess if you really love bulldogs or enjoy lighting cigars with $100 bills, you’ll love this drive.

[ Dunhill ] VIA [ EverythingUSB ]

By Luke Anderson

Two-in-one (or more) convergence devices are always hit-or-miss. Some things just don’t need to be combined into a single product. I mean, you wouldn’t want your toaster to also work as a measuring cup, would you? Here’s a flash drive from Asus that also functions as a wireless mouse. While it’s not nearly as bad as my toaster idea (patent pending) I just don’t see this as being something I would want to use for even a short amount of time.

As a flash drive, it looks bulkier than most, and I likely wouldn’t want to carry it in my pocket. As a mouse, my hand starts cramping up at the mere though of using something that tiny. I think I’ll have to pass on this one. If you’re interested, you’ll be sad to hear that pricing and availability aren’t currently known.

[ Asus ] VIA [ EverythingUSB ]

By Luke Anderson

How many times have you reached for a cold one only to realize that you’ve got no bottle opener? You could try using your teeth, but if you’re very fond of them, I don’t recommend it. My suggestion is to bust out your 8GB flash drive and pop the cap like a real man.

We’ve seen other such devices before, but never one so sleek looking. Now if only we had some details on pricing and availability.

[ TrekStor ] VIA [ Pocket Lint ]

By Luke Anderson

Every day I see a handful of new flash drives that claim to look “new and exciting.” Unfortunately that seems to be marketing-speak for either “same as everything else” or “really strange”. However, the Mimobot line of drives always have something cool to look at.

One of the fastest-selling sets of Mimobots were the Star Wars set. In light of the quick sales, they have decided to launch “Series 2”. You’ll have your pick of Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia or Han Solo. The drives are limited, so you’ll have to act fast if you want one. You’ll be able to pick from sizes ranging from 1GB to 4GB with prices starting at $50.

[ Mimoco ] VIA [ EverythingUSB ]