| Its no exaggeration to say that USB memory sticks | | | | using Grade A memory chips |
| are now incredibly popular to the point where they | | | | Should I order USB 1.x, USB 2.0 or event the new USB |
| have replaced CD’s and DVD’s as the way to | | | | 3.0 and does it matter. |
| backup personal data and carry it from place to place. | | | | In short make sure you order USB High Speed version |
| Their popularity is driven by their ease of use, their | | | | 2.0 memory sticks. Anything using USB 1.1 is old and |
| portability and their relatively low cost. Its not | | | | slow and whilst version 3.0 might be tempting because |
| uncommon for people to have multiple flash drives with | | | | its new you’ll pay a huge premium for USB 3.0 and |
| one for work and one for personal data and of course | | | | its not necessary. Whilst you might get USB 1x |
| they tend to get replaced/upgraded every year or so | | | | versions at a bargain price anyone you give them to |
| to the “latest” model or just a version with | | | | will quickly get frustrated with the slow transfer |
| more storage capacity. | | | | speeds and abandon them. |
| The growing dominance of the once humble USB | | | | RoHS Compliance – You need to understand what |
| memory stick is something the promotion and | | | | this is. |
| advertising sector spotted early on. Think about it, its | | | | RoHS or the Restriction of Hazardous Substances to |
| rare to attend a conference, show or seminar and not | | | | give it its long hand applies to thousands of electrical |
| have been offered at least one promotional memory | | | | and computer components imported into the EU. The |
| stick. The reason is understandable – not only are | | | | RoHS legislation is designed to protect the citizens of |
| they incredibly popular but they are an excellent way | | | | the EU against hazardous chemicals and substances |
| to distributing sales material, links to web sites, media | | | | and its legislation that you and your supplier must |
| files, presentation slides and lots more besides. | | | | comply with. If you are found to have imported |
| Of course in accepting a branded memory sticks | | | | non-RoHS compliant products into the EU then you |
| (often pre-loaded with data) you are complicit in the | | | | have no defence by arguing that your supplier was to |
| on-going promotion of the “givers” brand beyond | | | | blame. You are collectively responsible and the fines |
| the event. It is though a real “win win” for both | | | | for non-compliance are significant. Before you order |
| parties because the giver gets great brand exposure | | | | anything ensure you ask your supplier about RoHS |
| and brand association with a highly regarded product | | | | compliance and if necessary get copies of RoHS |
| whilst the recipient gets something truly useful rather | | | | certificates. |
| than a cheap/tacky gift that will be discarded quickly. | | | | WEEE Compliance – Educate yourself about what |
| But, a word of warning before you rush to buy | | | | it means to you |
| branded memory sticks; there are a number of | | | | The WEEE directive was implemented to encourage |
| important factors that you must consider: | | | | reuse and recycling. The Directive states that 65% of |
| Am I getting A Grade (new not recycled) Memory | | | | all IT kit must be recycled. Some items like old monitors, |
| Chips? | | | | PCBs (printed circuit boards), computers and batteries |
| In the world of flash memory chips not all chips are | | | | should be treated before disposal. It might surprise you |
| equal and it’s not just the memory size that is the | | | | but the small, humble USB memory stick falls into this |
| differentiator. Flash memory chips provide the storage | | | | category. As such you ought to advise anyone you |
| capability inside a USB flash drive and these memory | | | | give the branded memory sticks to of their obligation |
| chips are graded by the industry. Only “Grade | | | | under this directive. Failure could result in prosecution. |
| A” flash memory chips are new and provide | | | | Choose a reputable supplier who you can trust and |
| certified transfer speeds and guarantee access to the | | | | who can demonstrate a proven track record. |
| full amount of advertised memory on the chip. Other | | | | There are lots of companies springing up (many |
| grades are likely to have failed the factory QA | | | | operating from back bedrooms) that will offer to |
| process or will have been salvaged from other | | | | supply you with branded USB memory sticks and |
| products. The consequence of using or buying anything | | | | custom flash drives. Whilst their prices may look |
| other than Grade A chips is likely to be seen in terms | | | | attractive the above points demonstrate that there is |
| of high failure rates, slow/read write speeds and an | | | | more to buying memory sticks than just price. Choose |
| inability to access or use all of the claimed memory. | | | | the wrong supplier and you could get more than you |
| Before you order your memory sticks make sure you | | | | bargained for. You have a corporate responsibility to |
| are getting new Grade A flash memory chips in your | | | | understand your obligations and to ensure you comply. |
| memory sticks and choose a supplier you can trust. Its | | | | Ignorance is not a defence. |
| very difficult to spot the use of cheap chips from a | | | | A reputable supplier will understand the issues and |
| visual inspection of the delivered goods. expected and | | | | compliance requirements. They will be able to provide |
| its possible you’ll overpay for what you’re | | | | you with copies of RoHS and WEEE certificates |
| getting. Always check with your supplier that they are | | | | should you want them for reassurance. |