3. Memorex TravelLink On-The-Go File Sharing: Portable, PC-less USB Data Transfer

By Justin Korelc

USB capabilities continue to find their way into a variety of portable products and accessories that cater to our every whim and fancy. USB-compliant smart phones, PDAs, digital cameras, and MP3 players are but a few of the products that eventually share their data through a computer, laptop or other device. There is, however, a gap in go-between devices that cater to these products by enabling sharing of data and files. A device is needed to move data between islands of technology that normally require the assistance of a computer to store and share files.

For those not already in-the-know, USB On-The-Go (OTG) technology permits direct connection between USB-compliant devices without an intervening computer. Memorex's TravelLink OTG USB device functions both as a USB hub and versatile 8-in-1 card reader.

The TravelLink OTG is capable of seamlessly transferring files between many types of USB devices: flash cards, digital cameras (with support for USB mass storage and Picture Transfer Protocol), external drives and MP3 players. On the down side, it will not recognize the Apple iPod as a USB mass storage device and will therefore refuse service to this unit, but otherwise the TravelLink plays well with many other units.

Memorex conveniently implements a monochrome LCD screen with a simple, intuitive interface and oversize navigation buttons for browsing storage devices and hot-pluggable handheld devices. It includes options for individually selecting files or everything on a drive for transfer, copy or deletion. The built-in 8-in-1 card reader is compatible with Compact Flash types I and II, Secure Digital, Smart Media, Multi-Media Cards, and Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, and Memory Stick Duo cards. This provides a wealth of options for an on-the-go student who wants to share files freely without the constant need for a go-between PC.

Each TravelLink is powered by 3 AAA batteries and is approximately the size of a large cellular phone or small digital camera making it portable - as per the OTG concept - making it a good choice for any student who frequently shares files between USB-compliant devices.