Data storage is key in today’s society. Being able to access and transfer files at a whim has become commonplace enough that we have begun to take it for granted. Of course, that’s understandable because of devices like USB sticks.
As it stands, there are a variety of advantages that come along with using USB sticks. Check out the biggest benefits of using these portable storage devices below.
Cost-Effective
One of the single best things about USB sticks is how cost-effective they are. Compared to other forms of external storage on the market – like external hard drives – USB sticks are infinitely more affordable. External hard drives can cost well above the $100 mark depending on how much storage you are looking to obtain.
USB sticks come in a huge range of sizes, but they are also very affordable. It is possible to get a few gigs of storage for $10 or less depending on where you look. Even when it comes to larger storage capacities, they are far cheaper than getting a bigger, bulkier drive. Those who are looking for fast, reliable storage without breaking the bank will find a great option in USB sticks.
Surprisingly Durable
Despite the fact that they are relatively small, USB sticks are quite durable. Compared to older hard disk drives, USB sticks don’t have any moving parts. That means being far less vulnerable to damage when dropped or even shocked. That’s not to say that they can take a purposeful beating for longer than a minute or two, but they hold up better compared to other storage options.
Given their propensity for traveling with their owners, USB drives being durable is a must. Holding up to drops, bumps, and other things that could lead to damage on other drives, it becomes easier to see why USB sticks are such a popular form of data storage and transfer.
High Transfer Rate
USB sticks have never been slow when it comes to data transfer, they have come quite a long way in the 20+ years that they have been a common form of storage. There is no requirement for an internet connection, so there is little chance of a broken transfer from the flash drive to the device it gets connected to.
Speed can vary depending on a few things. USB version and controller device, plus the hardware bus, will determine the overall transfer rate. Today’s devices, which are USB 3, can transfer as much as 4.8 GB per second. Even the very fastest hard disk drives top out at 150MB per second, which pales in comparison in terms of transfer speeds.
Extremely Portable
The single biggest benefit of using USB sticks is their versatility and portability. Students and professionals benefit from having a USB stick available because they can easily be taken just about anywhere without being encumbering. USB sticks are very small – they get the name ‘thumb drive’ for a reason – which makes them great to keep on you in a pocket or even on a keychain.
External hard drives have their benefits, but they can be cumbersome to bring with you. They are far bulkier and require a separate cable to connect to a computer or laptop. USB sticks are lightweight, small, can be stored virtually everywhere, and connect right to any device without an additional cable.
There are even more benefits to be had by using USB sticks. If you find that you need to transfer and transport data on a regular basis, having one or two (or three) of these things available can wind up being a difference-maker.
