MEGATech Showcase: Flash Drive Fun

It seems like it’s been forever since we’ve done one of these flash drive showcases, but I’ve finally got a bunch of them saved up for your viewing pleasure. You know what I still find odd? Most of them are still USB 2.0, even though USB 3.0 has been available for quite some time. You’d think there would be more goofy flash drives that use it, and that it would be considerably less expensive by now. Well, whatever… My desire for oddly-shaped data storage devices cannot be curbed by slower speeds.

First up is a simple brass key. It features a pretty little heart detail, and can be carried along with your other keys so you don’t have to worry about losing it. This one offers 32GB of data storage, and may or may not actually be made of copper (probably not). It is metal, though, so it should withstand being bashed around with your other keys quite nicely. $20.00 US will add it to your collection.

Source: 7 Gadgets

Next up is a secured flash drive from Toshiba that should ease your privacy concerns. This is the Toshiba Encrypted USB Flash Drive, and it employs military grade AES 256-bit encryption that can be used by anyone to secure data from prying eyes. It’s available in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities, and incorporates a rechargeable battery so it will always be ready for you to type in your PIN. When you remove it from a USB port, it automatically locks again, and will require inputting your PIN the next time it is inserted to allow access to your files. Prices range from $95.00 US to $200.00 US, with a 3-year standard limited warranty.

Source: Coolest Gadgets

Steampunk is growing on me, although I’m still not as into it as a lot of folks seem to be. This is a steampunk-ish flash drive handmade from a Pentode Radio Tube. It offers 32GB of storage, and the tubes were made in the USSR in 1981 while the flash drive itself is SanDisk. These are made in Latvia, and ship pretty much anywhere in the world for not very much money. It’s a good thing the shipping is low… the flash drive itself costs $125.00 US.

Source: 7 Gadgets

You’re probably thinking, “What the heck is she doing? That’s a boring regular flash drive!” Not so. It looks pretty plain, but this is an amazing little piece of technology. This one is rated to work at temperatures as low as -40 degrees fahrenheit, or as hot as 185 degrees fahrenheit. Which sounds really neat, but then I have to think; my computer wouldn’t work at those temperatures, so what’s the point? The point is, you can expose it to extreme temperatures and when you get back to a more hospitable climate it’ll still work. It’s supposed to be available now in sizes ranging through 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB, but I can’t seem to find a price for it anywhere.

Source: Gizmodo

Do you ever need to transfer data between your phone and your computer, but the cable is somewhere not conveniently located? I do it all the time since I don’t work in an office environment, but odds are really good I’d be able to keep a flash drive in my pocket far easier than I could a cord. Eaget has developed this 64GB USB to Micro USB flash drive that looks like a good choice. The USB side is even 3.0, and it uses AES-256 bit encryption to secure your data. Price isn’t even really a factor, since it costs just $33.00 US.

Source: 7 Gadgets

Here’s another phone to computer option that offers even more than just a flash drive! This keychain from Sparrow will also charge your phone while it’s connected via the USB port, and is available for Android (micro USB) or iPhone (lightning). The flash drive comes in 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB models, and it’ll even allow you to transfer files from one phone to another without having to make sure they both have tap transfer capabilities. The Sparrow was successfully funded on Indiegogo in March, with delivery expected in October. They’re offering pre-orders now starting at $50.00 US.

Source: Gajitz

You knew there’d be some bling in here somewhere, didn’t you? This Swarovski crystal encrusted flash drive certainly fills that particular bill. It offers 16GB of data storage, and is USB 3.0. The USB plug retracts into the body, leaving no need for a cap to misplace, and it has a stainless steel frame. Cost for this one is $60.00 US.

Source: 7 Gadgets

I love these! While I am not a fan of digital books, I do like the idea of a card catalog flash drive on which to store files. They each offer 8GB of data storage and can be purchased empty or filled with the first 11 Unshelved collections of books. They even offer savings by ordering multi packs. They’re currently out of stock, but you can pre-order now for an expected May delivery starting at $20.00 US.

Source: Nerd Approved

It’s not that I don’t know how big my flash drives are. It’s that I often forget what I already have on them, so when I go to add more I get that annoying error message telling me they’re full and I’ll have to try another one. Definitely a first world problem, but Lexar is making a flash drive to solve it. These drives show you at a glance how much free space they still have before you try to load files on them, which is pretty handy. They’re available in 16GB ($19.47 US), 32GB ($29.95 US), 64GB ($48.95 US), and 128GB ($84.99 US).

Source: The Gadgeteer

If you’re a money clip kind of person, then this flash drive is for you. Odds are really good you won’t lose it, unless you’re the victim of a pickpocket, so that’s a good thing. It’s made of brushed stainless steel, and it holds 8GB of data on a sliding money clip. It’s not cheap, but then in my experience anyone carrying a money clip isn’t terribly concerned about cost. $79.95 US will make one yours.

Source: 7 Gadgets

Data locks seem to be a theme in this one, don’t they? This one is from Cryptex, and requires you spin the gears in the proper configuration in order to access the flash drive and your data. It’s forged of solid metal, and it’s been given an antiqued patina to better fit into your steampunk desk environment. And it has the added bonus of being something you can fidget with when you’re bored. Win-win! Each of these costs about $50.00 US.

Source: Gadget Review

These guys make me giggle. They’re so oddly proportioned I can’t help thinking their respective characters would be somewhat embarrassed by them, but they are awfully cute. They are, of course, Marvel Avengers USB drives, and each one offers 8GB of data. Each one features a key ring attachment in its head so you can carry them wherever you go. Sold individually, each one will cost you $22.29 US.

Source: Geek Alerts

Baymax! I thought I’d close this one out with a cute flash drive. I love this guy, and I’ve not yet seen the movie. What I particularly love is that you don’t have to pop his head off to access the drive, it folds down out of his back and he just hangs out on the side of your computer looking at you. He offers 32GB of data storage, and costs a whopping $74.00 US.

Source: 7 Gadgets