Store 'n Go the Professional Way
Buy Now...
It is hard to imagine that four years ago the concept of carrying a small pocket-size USB storage device holding useful data was still confined to an R&D department. Yet following the introduction of the original disgo device (a combined effort by M-Systems and CMS Peripherals) some three years ago, such devices are now so intrinsically embedded within the world of computing that firms are using them as a promotional item with relevant information already copied to the device.
Like many I started off with an 8MB device. It was not long before I felt the need for greater capacity. 16MB, 32MB and 64MB units soon followed, unfortunately so did my appetite for more storage space as these devices quickly were filled to capacity with MP3 files and digital images.
Luckily as my demands for more storage space continued, so devices have appeared with increased capacity. There have also been improvements made to the speed of transfer available with these devices. The arrival of USB 2.0 has played its part in the increase of data transfer rates. Store n Go Professional, from Verbatim, is a device that definitely meets my current needs.
Adopting a familiar rectangular shape, this USB 2.0 storage device (it also supports USB 1.1) measures 72 x 18 x 9mm (L x W x D) and is constructed of translucent blue plastic. Units are available with 256MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB storage capacity with the actual figure being clearly marked in silver on the unit. The device has a 24 x 6mm recess on one side that can hold a sticky label, several of which are supplied, bearing some form of identification.
A lanyard with a quick release clip is included with the product. This allows the device to be worn around the neck and easily detached for inserting into a spare USB port. You also get a 110cm extension cable. This will help avoid any problems that could occur with the positioning of the device especially when the Store n Go needs to sit alongside a more bulky device.
No drivers will be required for those using Windows Me and later. Windows 98 users will need to download an appropriate driver from Verbatims Web site (www.verbatim-europe.com). Once the device is inserted into a free USB port, a new drive will appear in My Computer and the device will display a coloured light to indicate its current status. A flashing light indicates data is being transferred while a steady pulse shows the Store n Go is ready for action. The device can be accessed as you would any other drive.
According to the packaging, Store n Go Professional is rated at 90X for writing data. This figure, while apparently impressive, does not really give you any clear indication as to the actual data transfer rate it smacks more of marketing-speak. In actual fact Verbatim is claiming a read speed of 23MB/sec and a write speed of 14MB/sec. Presumably this is with ideal conditions as I was unable to achieve these speeds in my tests. Transferring 615MB of MP3 files stored in various folders on a hard disk to the Store n Go took 78 seconds not bad but below the promised 14MB/sec.
Store n Go comes with the two utilities already installed, plus user manuals, adding to the functionality of the device. V-Safe allows the user to create a password-protected encrypted area for storing valuable or personal data. A wizard leads the way through this process. The second utility, V-Key, will synchronise files and folders between the USB device and computer.
This combination of high speed data read/write capability, USB extension lead and useful software does mean that the product has a price premium. Four different capacities are available and are priced as follows:
256 KB costs £49.99
512KB costs £89.99
1GB costs £159.99
2GB costs £289.99
Expensive? Yes but also worth it if you need the speed and functionality.
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