Kingston DataTraveler 400 8GB

There are a number of factors to take into account when you’re choosing a USB memory drive. One of the most important considerations is how it performs. Despite claiming our Gold Award, this DataTraveler 400 from Kingston wasn’t the fastest – in fact it was middling in terms of its performance. If you’re going to be moving gigabytes of data on and off the device, all day long, then look to the other reviews and choose a memory stick with a higher performance rating.

So what sets this device above the rest of the pack? Well, in a nutshell, everything else. It has a cover that’s hinged in the middle of the unit, so you twist the sheath around to expose the USB plug. This makes it feel well protected when it’s folded up and means there are no loose parts to mislay. It comes bundled with a good collection of pre-installed software: MigoSync will synchronise your email, data and even internet settings between PCs; and SecureTraveler lets you set up encrypted areas on the device where you can securely store files. It will also work as a Windows Ready Boost if you’ve got Vista and need a temporary memory injection.

Online price research put the device into a bracket that isn’t quite in the cheapest camp but isn’t far off and, for what you get, presuming you’re looking for features over performance, it offers good value.

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