14 DAY TRIAL // Kingston's DataTraveler collection of USB flash drive units is fairly extensive, but the company didn't see any reason not to release yet another set.
The latest product line is called DataTraveler Elite 3.0 and, in spite of the name, it is actually supposed to be one of the more economical options out there, as much as high-capacity USB 3.0 sticks can be affordable anyway.
The capacities are of 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB, while the data transfer speeds can reach 70 MB/s when reading and 30 MB/s when writing.
Of course, USB 2.0 is supported as well, since it wouldn't do to have an advanced piece of Universal Serial Bus storage that didn't work with more than half of all PCs currently in use.
Needless to say, the performance will be limited in 2.0 mode, although not by as much as some might fear: 30 MB/s when reading and 25 MB/s when writing.
“As consumers store and carry more HD video, digital artwork, music and presentations, faster devices are required to keep pace with one’s digital lifestyle,” said Andrew Ewing, flash memory business manager, Kingston.
“With more PCs shipping with USB 3.0 ports, the new DataTraveler Elite adds to Kingston’s USB 3.0 family and is the perfect solution for those who require faster transfer speeds without breaking the budget.”
Kingston's DataTraveler Elite 3.0 have a special shell design, with a retractable connector mechanism.
Since we are on the subject, the size of the drives is 2.7185 x 0.8504 x 0.437 inches, which is the same as 69.05 mm x 21.6 mm x 11.1 mm.
Finally, Kingston's creations are compatible with various operating systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X v. 10.5.x (or greater) and Linux v. 2.6.x (or later).
Sales should begin soon, if they haven't already, at prices of $37 for the 16 GB DataTraveler Elite 3.0 (28.17 Euro), $89 for the 32 GB (68 Euro) and $135 for the 64 GB (103 Euro). The warranty is 5 years.
