What is a usb flash drive?

A USB flash drive consists of non-volatile memory, clock generator, led indicator, a controller, and other additional components/ functions. Beyond this basic configuration, manufacturers may add other the functionalities to the drive, such as VoIP, MP3 player, fingerprint sensor, password protection, etc.

USB 2.0 is fully backward compatible with USB 1.1. You are able to use a USB2.0 device in a USB 1.1 compliant system, but at USB 1.1 data transfer rates.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4894697_what-usb-flash-drive-used.html

USB flash drives, also known as thumb drives, are a NAND type flash memory. The NAND type flash memory was designed for the exchange and saving of data as an alternative to the magnetic floppy disk.

Selecting a pen drive mostly influenced by its features. Recently, the state-of-the-art features of pen drive have created a new craze among the techno-enthusiasts.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-does-a-flash-drive-work.html

In simple terms, they are storage devices for computer files. If you used to use floppy disks or CD-Rs to temporarily move and store files, flash drives are their replacements. The key advantages flash drives have over these other storage media is that (like most advances in tech) they are smaller, faster and hold much more data.

When they are formatted correctly, they are easy to use. Just plug in the drive directly into an open USB port somewhere on your new Mac, or on an external USB hub. I have extra USB ports on my Apple and Dell displays as well as a hub under my desk. However, I recommend you plug in non-powered USB devices like flash drives directly to your Mac so they don't have to share power with other devices.

http://www.myfirstmac.com/index.php/mac/categories/C5

A USB device is a small, portableflash memory card that plugs into a computer's USBport and functions as a portable hard drive. USB flash drives are touted as being easy-to-use as they are small enough to be carried in a pocket and can plug into any computer with a USB drive. USB flash drives have less storage capacity than an external hard drive, but they are smaller and more durable because they do not contain any internal moving parts.

http://www.loc.gov/nls/technical/flashdistribution.html

What's the fastest USB Flash Drive?

So I'm trying to find the fastest 8GB USB flash drive that's <$30 (less than). Preferably close to the $15 range.

Here's a list of options I have so far but feel free to point out better options in local retails or other online stores. Should this post be in the Request-A-Deal section instead?

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/whats-fastest-usb-flash-drive-30-a-896468/

 

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