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The Best USB Thumb Drive Of 2016

Justin Thomas — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 01:22:08 +0000

The Best Overall Thumb Drive: SanDisk Extreme CZ80 64GB
The Fastest USB Thumb Drive: Lexar 128GB JumpDrive P20
The Most Secure USB Thumb Drive: Apricorn Aegis Secure

The Details

USB Thumb Drives use flash memory to store and transfer data. These little guys have been around for awhile, and are a quick and effective means of transferring data. There are a couple factors to keep in mind when purchasing a USB thumb drive. The first is speed. The era of slow-as-molasses thumb drives is gone but not forgotten, and many of today’s USB 3.0 drives still leave something to be desired.

You also want a drive with encryption. The sad truth is that USB drives are easy to lose, especially if you use shared computers. Get a device that can encrypt your files so strangers can’t access them if they find your drive.

Finally, you want a durable device. While the exact level of ruggedness you want may vary, make sure to get a well constructed product that doesn’t overheat or jam up in a slide.

The Best Overall Thumb Drive: SanDisk Extreme CZ80 64GB

For the pasts few years, California-based SanDisk has produced the best USB 3.0 thumb drive. Their 64GB Extreme CZ80 is fast, affordable, and secure.

This drive delivers read and write speeds at a significantly faster clip than most competitors. SanDisk advertises read speeds up to 245MBs and write speeds of 190MBs, and user benchmarks confirm that these speeds are mostly accurate. This means you can transfer a full-length SD movie in about 10 seconds. That’s 50x faster than old USB 2.0 drives (and double the speed of many 3.0 drives). This drive is ideal for transferring large files, both due to its capacity and speed relative to other options on the market.

The drive also protects your files with AES 128-bit encryption and a secure access vault that works on both Macs and USB. It also includes RescuePRO data recovery software. The Extreme is made with durable plastic, not the most rugged USB drive on the market, but it is solidly constructed and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It’s also not the most discrete, coming in at 2.8 inches long. But the speed and value of this device cannot be beat for most users.

The Fastest USB Thumb Drive: Lexar 128GB JumpDrive P20

USB drives get a bum rap for their slow speeds. Earlier models had read and write speeds in the low teens, while even many of today’s USB 3.0 drives take twice as long as an external hard drive. But the Lexar 128GB Jump Drive P20 delivers an impressive read/write speed of 400/270MBs. That speed is fast enough to transfer an HD movie in less than the time it takes a Netflix video to load and buffer.

The JumpDrive P20 is housed in a sturdy metal alloy case with a glossy black mirror finish. It’s a retractable drive, which made me suspicious at first, as retractable drives are prone to jamming or otherwise breaking. But the P20 slides along solidly (if not a little stiff) and is protected by a lock mechanism that keeps it safe when extended. At 25 grams, it has a nice heft to it. Lexar includes a limited lifetime warranty. I also like the 256-bit AES encryption via EncryptStickTM Lite software.

The main draw is the drive’s USB 3.0 capacity. This drive runs faster than many external HDDs. While it doesn’t touch SSD speeds, it gets the job done fast enough to be a viable option for large data transfers. Transfer 1000 photos in 1 minute 15 seconds or a full-length HD movie in 36 seconds.

The Most Secure USB Thumb Drive: Apricorn Aegis Secure

The Apricorn Aegis Secure Key is the perfect storage device for a small amount of data. There are two steps to protect your data. First, it requires you to enter a 7-15 digit code on an alphanumeric keyboard.

The second layer of security comes from 256-bit AES Military Grade Hardware Encryption. The Secure Key is tested by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and receives a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 cryptography specification. It doesn’t need any software or firmware to run. That means there’s no risk of a firmware hack. Finally, it protects against brute force attacks with a mechanism that deletes the encryption key if an incorrect PIN is entered too many times.

You can set up an Admin PIN as well as individual user PINs, so companies can recycle the keys if they are granted to new users. The keypad is powered by a battery and is convenient to use. It also resits dust and water ingress. The rest of the device is also solidly constructed in water-resistant aluminum casing. This version uses USB 2.0. A USB 3.0 version exists, but has a few issues (like overheating) that this version doesn’t have.

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The Best Digital Converters of 2016

Justin Thomas — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 22:19:28 +0000

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The Details

The digital video signal is here to stay. Television stations were required to convert to a digital signal in 2009, and the proliferation of DVD, DVR, Blu-Ray and MP4 signals makes it imperative to have a television setup that will process digital video. This can make it very difficult for those who still own analog TV sets, VCRs or mixing and editing equipment.

However, there is an answer to this problem and it is the DTV Converter, or digital television converter. A converter is much less expensive than a replacement television set, and it will make it unnecessary to throw away treasured VHS tapes with priceless memories.

When buying a converter, there are the usual consumer concerns to consider, such as brand reputation, price comparisons, appearance and features. However, the biggest concern for converter boxes is the range of input-output jacks. Not all boxes include the same connections. An analog television set or VCR may have RCA, coaxial, S-video, or other, more proprietary connections. It will be important to ensure that the connections on the box match the connections on the analog hardware. This article will outline three of the best converters available for 2016.

The Best Overall Digital Converter: Tivax STB-T8

The Tivax STB-T8′s main appeal is its high-quality signal. But as an added bonus, Tivax also receives free High-Definition broadcasts. In addition, it has Dolby Digital processing for excellent sound quality. The picture controls are flexible, as the box is capable of supporting 4×3 and 16×9 aspect ratio pictures. The connections haven’t been ignored in this model, either. The Smart Antenna jacks allow for analog signal pass-through for simplified antenna connections.

The converter box has other deluxe features that separate it from the competition. The superior control system includes closed-captioning support as well as a sleep timer and onscreen programming guide with extensive options. The remote control allows complete access to the controls and makes the setup easier.

The Tivax back panel includes coax as well as Smart Antenna in and out jacks, composite video jack, S-video jack, stereo RCA audio outputs, and an antenna/RF output.

Unfortunately, this model does not have an HDMI port. That makes it a disappointment for those looking for an HDMI-enabled converter box in case they upgrade later. Beyond that, this is a superior product that will prove top-notch digital signal, high-definition signal and amazing Dolby-processed sound without breaking the bank. The Tivax seems like the clear winner for converter boxes in 2016.

Best Digital Converter With HDMI Connectivity: iView 3500STBI

The iView 3500STBI value comes from its signal quality and multitude of connectivity options. In addition to standard cable in-out jacks, the control board includes a coaxial output, stereo RCA inputs and outputs, an HDMI connector, and on the front panel, a USB port for connecting to a digital storage source. The only major connection missing from this machine is an S-video jack, so those with this connection will have to look elsewhere. Otherwise, it covers the whole spectrum.

The iView converts digital broadcasts for analog televisions with an excellent, clear signal. The box automatically tunes to all available stations, and it enabled the record both pre-programmed and real-time signals to an external hard drive or thumb drive through the USB port. The extensive programming guide can tune in available programs on demand, and the interface is relatively easy to use despite the plethora of features included. Manipulation of the live signal is also enabled, with fast-forward, pause and rewind capabilities.

This is an excellent choice for anyone wanting high-quality digital reception, a range of ports and in-out-jacks, and extensive control over the video signal.

Easiest Digital Converter to Use: Zinwell ZAT-970A

The Zinwell ZAT-970A suffers from a few distinct limitations. Its has a very basic rear panel, which only includes RF-antenna in and out jacks and a set of RCA video and stereo out jacks for connection to a television. Users should note that a UHF/VHF antenna is required with this model. So those who were hoping for a more extensive and flexible connections would be advised to look elsewhere.

However, this box is a superior choice for those who simply want to watch digital television signals on an analog television. To begin with, it’s fully ATSC-compliant. It can receive signals from channels 2-69. It also supports a full complement of 18 broadcast formats, and is even capable of decoding Dolby AC-3 audio signals.

The Zinwell box is capable of handling nearly any kind of modern digital signal and transmitting it to most analog television sets. One handy function of this model is a parental control system with on-board V-chip and channel-locking capabilities. In addition to these controls, Rating Region tables are downloadable on this converter box. It is capable of receiving both wide and full aspect ratio signals for various sizes of television screen. The Zinwell ZAT-970A is an excellent choice for watching basic digital television signals with a good range of controls.

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The Best Waterproof and Shockproof USB Drive

Justin Thomas — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 04:29:44 +0000

The best waterproof thumb drive on the market is the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth 64GB USB 3.0 drive. The military-style data transport is as fast and rugged as the planes its aircraft-grade aluminum chassis is re-purposed from. It has a hard-anodized, waterproof, shock resistant exterior to protect the top-of-the-line technology inside. All this is backed by a limited five year warranty.

The Details

The Survivor Stealth USB 3.0 is compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 technology. USB 3.0 gives the drive additional speed, and is four times faster than traditional USB 2.0 drives. The drive has a max read speed of 85 MB per second and max write of 70 MB per second. Those speeds are a bit slower than drives specifically engineered for high speeds, but are still more than serviceable for such a rugged drive.

In addition to being fast as lighting, the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth is rugged. Its aircraft-grade aluminum housing is waterproof up to 200 meters thanks to the use of an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) waterproof seal. A molded shock damping collar makes the Survivor vibration proof and shock resistant.

In addition to the 64 GB storage size, Corsair offers the Survivor Stealth in 16, 32, and 128 and 256 GB. The drive weighs 1.3 ounces and is a bit bulky, as can be expected from a rugged drive. It has a hole to hook on to your key ring, but the hole is on the drive itself, not the cap. It unscrews in two halves, so you need to be careful not to lose the cap.

The Survivor Stealth USB 3.0 is available from Amazon for around $45.

Another Option

The LaCie XtremKey is another rugged USB drive with USB 2.0 and 3.0 capability. It can withstand ten tons of pressure thanks to its metal alloy exterior. The XtremKey also holds up well against heat and water.

The XtremKey outpaces the Corsair Survivor Stealth in speed tests. A Maximum PC test found that it performed key reads at an impressive 213MB/s, taking just 3 minutes 34 seconds to write an 11GB file-copy test. The XtremKey is even bulkier than the Survivor, so it is not great for portability.

The LaCie XtremKey is available from Amazon for around $83.

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The Top Rated Data Recovery Software For USB Drives

Justin Thomas — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 17:22:58 +0000

Data recovery software is primarily intended to restore data from a hard drive that is either failing or has had files accidentally deleted. Traditional hard drives are more susceptible to malfunction than flash memory-based drives, because flash drives have no moving parts and aren’t as vulnerable to physical breakdown. However, it is just as easy to mistakenly delete data from a flash drive as it is to delete it from a hard drive. Most data recovery software includes options for restoring lost data from both types of drives. This article focuses on data recovery software that is able to quickly and effectively undelete data on USB flash drives. All of our selections require a Windows operating system.

We’ve researched websites such as V3.co.uk, PC World, Recovery-Review.com, Computeractive, Download.com, About.com, CNET, and PC Magazine. Here is the top rated data recovery software for USB drives:

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Edition

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Edition (Free)

Pros:

Effective USB drive data recovery
Ability to perform Windows hard drive data recovery

Cons:

1GB limit on recovered data

Top Review Sources:

V3.co.uk: 4.0/5.0 “An ideal solution for those seeking to recover lost data on all forms of removable media”
PC World: “EaseUs Data Recovery Wizard Free actually works and it’s not a glorified undelete program like some you’ll encounter”
Recovery-Review.com: “The program has proven to be a reliable, stable and fast tool”

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Edition is a full-featured undelete program with options for USB flash drive data restoration. No matter how you lost the files—accidental deletion, software crash, damage from malware, or even reformatting—Data Recovery Wizard will almost certainly be able to help. This program has advanced capabilities such as sector scanning and file name restoration. The only catch is that the Free Edition only allows you to recover 1GB of data. You’ll be able to scan for and see all the data that EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard finds and can restore, but without spending $70 for the paid edition, you can’t recover more than a gigabyte. With USB flash drive capacities commonly well above 1GB, it is likely you will need the paid edition. However, you may not, and even if you do, there isn’t any investment required to try out this solid performer.

Visit the publisher’s site to download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Edition, as well as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard ($70).

BadCopy Pro

BadCopy Pro ($40)

Pros:

Dedicated removable media recovery
Fast

Cons:

Only recognizes FAT file systems

Top Review Sources:

PC World: “If you’ve ever inserted a CD, floppy, Zip disk, or thumb drive only to have Windows cough up an error message telling you it isn’t there, isn’t formatted, or some such, you’ll appreciate BadCopy Pro”
Computeractive: “If you need to recover a file, it’s definitely worth giving BadCopy a try”
Dowload.com User Reviews: 3.0/5.0 (35+ reviews)

BadCopy Pro is a dedicated removable media recovery program. USB flash drives commonly use the FAT32 file system. FAT32 allows data to be written and read between Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, so it is useful to have removable media formatted with FAT32. However, it is possible to format a USB drive with another popular file system, such as NTFS (used by modern Windows operating systems). If you don’t work with FAT32, look elsewhere for your USB flash drive data recovery software. However, if you are using FAT32, BadCopy Pro is worth a close look. BadCopy Pro is built to restore data on USB drives and other removable media. It works in a few simple steps to scan for deleted or corrupted files, and its interface is clean and simple. If you download the free trial version of BadCopy Pro, you’ll be able to preview the files it finds but not save them. If you are happy with the results, you can purchase the paid version in order to restore your data.

Jufsoft’s Bad Copy Pro is available for download as a free evaluation version, or as the paid, full-featured edition.

Recuva

Recuva (Free)

Pros:

Great performance
Helpful interface
Free

Cons:

Some paid programs offer more features

Top Review Sources:

About.com: 5.0/5.0 “Contains a simple wizard and advanced options – perfect for everyone”
CNET: 4.5/5.0 “An excellent choice for anyone in need of reliable file recovery”
PC Magazine: 4.0/5.0 “An attractive interface that you can navigate easily even when you’re distracted by the fear that you’ve lost precious data for ever”

Piriform’s Recuva is a well-known and respected name in the data recovery game. Its main draw is its ability to save data from hard drives, but it also has the capability to rescue USB drive data. Recuva’s friendly wizard guides you through the process in a step-by-step fashion. You will be able to preview your results before saving. In tests, Recuva performs very well in finding and saving lost data. Advanced options included a deep scanning mode, sector-based recovery, and secure file deletion.

Download Recuva for free on Piriform’s website.

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