5 Next-Gen USB 3.0 Devices

5. Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 Flash Drive

USB 3.0 devices can deliver data to and from PCs in a hurry. But you already knew that. What makes these new USB 3.0 devices even better?

Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 Flash Drive

$270

★★★★

+ Rugged design

+ Doesn’t require separate power for USB 2.0 transfers

+ Five-year warranty

+ Fast

- Heats up

- Chunky case

Kingston’s DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 flash drive is easily the smallest USB 3.0 device on the market and can stuff a lot of speed into a small and pocket-friendly case. Available in 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB capacities that are priced at between $90 and $270, this memory key is a great companion on the road.

The silver and white flash drive has been ruggedly designed and has a loop at the top for putting it on a lanyard or chain. Unlike most memory keys, the cap can be snapped onto the back of the drive, making it harder to lose. At 0.9 oz., the drive is slightly heavier and thicker but shorter compared to a SanDisk Ultra USB 2.0 memory key.

With 59.6 GB of capacity available, the DataTraveler Ultimate can hold tens of thousands of photos or roughly six hours of video. The key started up right away when it was plugged into the ThinkPad W510, providing access to its contents. There’s a blue LED light that not only shows that it is connected but it blinks to show data activity as well.

Despite its size, the DataTraveler Ultimate did well at moving data with a peak speed of 100.2 MB/s and an average throughput of 79.7 MB/s. It used up a tolerable 3.6% of the processor’s bandwidth and got hot when it was used, while the device played back three simultaneous HD videos without a snag.

Overall, the DataTraveler Ultimate lives up to its name with the ability to take it all--or nearly so--with you.