Flash drives are flash drives, and flash drives that count “security” among its top features usually end up to be pretty boring—but necessary—products for Average Joe. But here’s how it gets interesting: by adding hardware-based encryption and an actual numpad for keying in a password. We first saw this on the Aegis Padlock Secure portable drive, but that was a 2.5-inch portable drive. Corsair’s Flash Padlock 2 adds the keypad onto a compact USB flash drive that can fit into a pocket, somehow making “security” way more cool compared to having to deal with encrypting software every time you have to push or pull data securely.
Remember when LaCie somehow got out attention when they came out with USB flash drives—or USB keys—that were shaped like silver keys? It seems the obvious novelty has caught on. Here comes Active Media Products and their take on the key-shaped USB key called the MotKey. Available in 4 and 8GB capacities, the MotKey is still unique in its own right, with a shock and scratch-resistant rubber housing designed to make it look like a car key. (In comparison, LaCie’s CooKey and WhizKey drives look like stainless steel house keys. See? They’re different.)
Here’s something you might want to check out if you’re looking for a little bit more security from something that should be as simple as a flash drive. Kingston has just announced the DataTraveler 5000, a drive with a capacity of up to 16GBs and enough data and physical protection that’s good enough for the government.
Stylish storage company LaCie has unveiled three new portable drives—actually, just two new key-shaped drives called the CooKey (shown on the right) and WhizKey (left), plus a 2010 “remix” of their existing Rugged hard drive that they updated with a faster USB 3.0 connection.
We’ve seen a lot of external hard drives that boast support for the newer, faster USB 3.0 interface come out lately, but surprisingly not a lot of flash drives (yet). Memory maker PQI is looking to be one of the first by announcing the Cool Drive U366, a flash drive that supports the USB 3.0 interface and a capacity that tops out at 64GB. Full specs and prices aren’t available yet, but PQI lists the U366 to be available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities.
Kingston has just released the DTLocker+, a flash drive that should be virtually un-crackable for people and organizations that demand the strictest security measures. First off, the DTLocker+ uses hardware encryption that requires a password to open. And if it ever falls into the wrong hands, the drive can also automatically reformat the drive after a few failed password attempts.
Available now, the DTLocker+ comes in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities for $36, $50, $100, and $200 respectively.
Super Talent’s RAIDDrive USB 3.0 is no ordinary flash drive. For starters, it (obviously) connects using the newer, faster USB 3.0 interface for transfer speeds of up to 200MB/s. It also comes with a UAS Protocol driver, plus a tech that uses “multiple pairs of differential serial data lines technology” (according to the company’s PR) that claims to push those speeds up to 320MB/s through a USB 3.0 port—which is pretty darn fast.
Active Media Products, the people behind the Polar Bear drive, Penguin drive, and the Panda drive, has just come out with a new animal to stick into a USB port with the Koala drive. It’s built with an eco-friendly silicone rubber case that’s waterproof and shock-resistant, allowing it to be dropped, bounced, soaked, frozen, stepped on, and otherwise beat up without fear of losing data (which makes it more durable than the real animal).
Corsair has just announced the Flash Survivor GT, a new 64GB flash drive the company claims to be “the most rugged high-capacity flash drive on the market.” Built with a CNC-milled, aircraft-grade aluminum shell, the drive is further protected by a molded, shock-dampening collar to protect it from bumps and drops and an EPDM seal that gives it water-resistance down to 200 meters.
The 64GB Flash Survivor GT is now available, and is selling for $170 on Amazon. 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities are also available.
Corsair has recently announced a capacity upgrade for their Flash Voyager GT flash drives. Previously available in up to 64GB, the new 128GB model will still feature the line’s design and features that include a rubber shock and water-resistant exterior and fast MLC flash memory for fast transfers.
The new 128GB model is now available for $400. All models are compatible with Linux, Mac OS X and Windows and come with a 10-year warranty.
Here’s something you might want to check out if you’re looking for a little bit more security from something that should be as simple as a flash drive. Kingston has just announced the 
We’ve seen a lot of external hard drives that boast support for the newer, faster USB 3.0 interface come out lately, but surprisingly not a lot of flash drives (yet). Memory maker 
Kingston has just released the 
Active Media Products, the people behind the 
