USB Flash Drive Roundup - 10/2005
by Anand Lal Shimpi on October 4, 2005 11:28 AM EST- Posted in
- Memory
Kingston DataTraveler Elite
While the rest of Kingston's DataTraveler line is fairly normal in size, the DataTraveler Elite is huge. The drive itself is actually not that much bigger in dimensions than the DataTraveler and DataTraveler II/II+ migo, but the design of the drive makes it feel and seem much larger.
The benefit of an encrypted partition is added security because it takes a lot less time to brute force a password than it does a 128-bit encryption key; although, neither is obviously full-proof. The important point to make here is that the Elite's flash controller features a built-in hardware encryption engine, so all of the encryption/decryption calculations are done in real time, thus not slowing down the drive at all. We obviously tested Kingston's claims, and our findings supported their claims - performance didn't drop with encryption enabled.
Our only real complaint about the Elite is its size. We would definitely prefer something smaller. If you can deal with the added bulk, the Elite is a very competitive option from Kingston.
While the rest of Kingston's DataTraveler line is fairly normal in size, the DataTraveler Elite is huge. The drive itself is actually not that much bigger in dimensions than the DataTraveler and DataTraveler II/II+ migo, but the design of the drive makes it feel and seem much larger.
The benefit of an encrypted partition is added security because it takes a lot less time to brute force a password than it does a 128-bit encryption key; although, neither is obviously full-proof. The important point to make here is that the Elite's flash controller features a built-in hardware encryption engine, so all of the encryption/decryption calculations are done in real time, thus not slowing down the drive at all. We obviously tested Kingston's claims, and our findings supported their claims - performance didn't drop with encryption enabled.
Our only real complaint about the Elite is its size. We would definitely prefer something smaller. If you can deal with the added bulk, the Elite is a very competitive option from Kingston.
From top to bottom, Kingston DataTraveler Elite, Kingston DataTraveler II drive, a AA battery and a 9V battery.
| Kingston DataTraveler Elite | |
| Sizes Available | 256MB - 4GB |
| Lanyard Included | No |
| USB Extension Cable Included | No |
| Data Encryption | Yes (Windows only) |
| Password Protection | Yes (Windows Only) |
| Secure + Public Partitions Simultaneously Accessible | No |
| Flash Controller | M-Systems |
| Flash Memory | Samsung K9F2G08U0M |
| Warranty | 5 years |
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LightRider - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Page 22 Shikatronics ManhattanLightRider - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Of course I make an error in my post pointing out an error...phisrow - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
I'm glad to have some idea about real world performance specs, to the degree that the volatility of the market allows that, of these drives. Any chance that this, or future, reviews of this kind could test making the drives bootable. Some are easy, some are impossible, and some need some real voodoo to get them working. I'd love to know which is which these days.johnsonx - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Page 13:"although, neither is obviously full-proof."
yacoub - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
"From top to bottom, a AA battery, Kingston DataTraveler II drive, Kingston DataTraveler Elite."No, not even close.
Elite is on top, DT2 is next, AA battery next, and 9-volt battery on the bottom.
TheInvincibleMustard - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
C'mon, I soooo posted that before you!:p
-TIM
yacoub - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
What's with all the scratches on the Corsair Flash Voyager's USB connector?TheInvincibleMustard - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
I was actually wondering that, too ... what did you do to that poor thing to take the cover off???All in the name of science, eh?
TYPO: Pg 13 ... the caption for the "battery" picture doesn't correspond to the actual picture ... oh ... and just how OLD is that 9V Eveready? It looks like something out of the stonage in comparison to the other things in the picture ...
-TIM
SpaceRanger - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
Stonage?? Sorry.. Couldn't help pointing out a typo in a "typo informative" post../em hides now.
TheInvincibleMustard - Tuesday, October 4, 2005 - link
:pAnd that's all I hafta say about that.
-TIM