| USB Drives (also known as flash drives, thumb drives, | | | | This measures how long a USB device will function |
| USB Sticks or jump drives) come in a wide variety of | | | | before it fails. This can be as high as 100 000 |
| physical forms, and memory capacities. | | | | read-write cycles, down to 25 000 for lower quality |
| The use of USB devices are increasing everyday, as | | | | drives. The quality of the memory chip will determine |
| the majority of people have computers either in their | | | | the failure rate of the drive. |
| home, at work or carried with them in person. USB | | | | 4. Data retention |
| Drives are used for items too large for email, or easy | | | | Do the USB drives come with a data retention |
| transfer between computers. | | | | warranty? |
| USB Drives have become increasingly popular for | | | | Many suppliers have a 10 year data retention warranty |
| transporting and transferring information and software. | | | | for your added protection. |
| Promoting and marketing your business with a branded | | | | 5. Packaging options |
| USB Drive represents a great modern and economical | | | | There are different packaging options available such |
| method to display your contact details, and/or contain | | | | as a polybag, zipbag, pouches (e.g PVC, velvet), gift |
| your marketing material on the drive itself. | | | | boxes (Commonly in black, white or silver tin), gift |
| Branded flash drives allow you to place your business | | | | boxes with see through lids |
| ahead of the competition by utilising your branding in a | | | | 6. Accessory options |
| practical product for today's lifestyle. | | | | E.g Lanyards, keyring attachments to make it easier |
| 1. Type of memory chip | | | | for users to transport, use and make their USB drive |
| Not all flash memory is the same. Choose flash | | | | visible |
| memory chips from a reputable supplier like Intel or | | | | 7. Decoration Methods |
| Samsung. | | | | Generally USB drives will be able to use pad printing, |
| Choose Grade A Samsung or Hynix Memory Chips. | | | | laser engraving or blackened laser engraving |
| Steer away from second Grade or recycled chips | | | | 8. Decoration options |
| which are commonly used and result in high failure | | | | Custom printing can be performed on the USB drive |
| rates (20-50%). | | | | and/or the packaging. |
| Be wary of 'seemingly cheap' USB drives which are | | | | Epoxy doming can be performed to provide a more |
| flooding the market, as most use second grade or | | | | resilient barrier and protection for the USB device |
| recycled chips (classified as Grade C or D) and a | | | | 9. Data options |
| number of users have been 'burnt' by the loss of | | | | Pre-loading of data can be performed for you by |
| valuable data with these chips. | | | | many suppliers to save you valuable time and energy. |
| 2. Read/write speeds | | | | Data can also be locked so that the client cannot |
| USB 2.0 supports three speeds. Low speed, full speed | | | | erase your important information. It is also possible to |
| and maximum speed. The speed will make a | | | | use an auto-run application, so that upon insertion the |
| difference when larger files are being accessed. | | | | USB device opens your desired file or application e. |
| 3. Failure rate | | | | |