14 DAY TRIAL // HP may not have its own flash drive manufacturing business, but that doesn't mean there aren't any HP-branded models out there. PNY just launched five of them, in addition to a stylish line of its own.
The HP-branded flash drive collection, dubbed HP v280w, uses an asymmetrical case design, reminiscent of a knife, of all things.
It uses a capless swivel design. The main body of the flash drive is made of aluminum, while the outer shell is black plastic.
The capacities are of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, but the performance is not nearly as glamorous: only USB 2.0 is supported.
That means that it will take a fairly long time to copy large movies or other multi-gigabyte files on the storage units (the minimum read speed is 14 MB/s, the write speed is 4 MB/s). The product page has more information.
The second flash drive line that PNY has introduced is called Attache Snake, to celebrate the Chinese calendar year of the snake.
With capacities of 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB, they don't bear the brand of any company other than PNY itself.
A capless construction is used here as well, but the sleek and rigid steel case is there for more than just show. It also provides some resistance to shocks and water.
Sadly, just like on the HP v280w, there is no support for SuperSpeed USB 3.0. Buyers will have to settle for USB 2.0 transfer rates.
At least the Snake version is small enough to justify the Attache name. The new flash drive can easily attach to a key chain and stay there for all time. Go here for more information on the Attache Snake version.
PNY will probably be forced to move to USB 3.0 sooner or later. The competition in this market segment is already fierce.
