Kingston Data Traveler MiniSlim: light as a feather USB drives
Do we have any backpackers out there? I’m one although I haven’t geared up for a bit: my last trek was a 50-miler through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and yes, I sawed off the handle of my toothbrush to halve the weight.
Backpackers and mobile warriors know that every bit of size and weight counts so maybe that’s why the new Kingston Data Traveler USB drives caught my attention. These flash drives come in either 2- or 4 GB capacities and are about the smallest USB drives I’ve seen yet. They weigh in at 0.064 ounces and measure up at 1.529" x 06.45" x 0.253" (38.85mm x 16.40mm x 6.44mm). MSRPs are $11 and $19 respectively, so they’re light on the budget too. I’d probably take advantage of the small tether hole on these, simply because I wouldn’t want to lose ‘em. Take your pick in black, pink or blue… I hope they’re molded in those colors. I wouldn’t want to add any weight with an extra layer of paint. ;)
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I haven’t backpacked in years, but used to a bunch. My son and I are active in Cub Scouts, so I’m sure the backpacking will start up again in a few years.
For tiny data storage, I have one of these A-DATA Micro SD readers on my keychain. http://www.amazon.com/DATA-MICRO-Reader-microSD-interface/dp/B000VE2PCG/ref=pd_bbs_10?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1217946710&sr=8-10 I keep a 2GB card in it, half of which is tied up in a TrueCrypt volume.
I do have to wonder what you’re planning on doing with a tiny USB drive on your backpacking trip?
this and these have been around for several years now, in the sony microvault lineup. The form factor can be a bit of an issue, getting them plugged in to remote USB ports, on some computers. Also, they are so small one forgets they are plugged in, for example into the right side of my X61 tablet. But, they are indeed hanging OUT and could be snapped off easily. I thought they were great, but found a slightly larger size (added about 2 OZ only) was more manageable.
I’m with Rick on this, you can get micro SD card readers which are great for using old cards in or for holding that spare.
Here is the one I use, I like it as you can slide the usb connector in and out, not bad for $3 http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6457
I can vouch for dealextreme too, delivery is slow 10-14 days to the US but it’s free and there is no minimum order value!!! Probably spent way too much buying silly low cost gadgets there. :)
Just got a Super Talent Pico C 8GB drive. Tiny, shock and water resistant. Looks cool too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609296&ref=lmcd