14 DAY TRIAL // USB 3.0 flash drives are a dime a dozen, but the ones that can claim any sort of security are a bit rarer. Super Talent has just released a series of such flash drives, called USB 3.0 DataGuardian. Yet another addition to the sizable Data Guardian collection we suppose.
The new USB 3.0 DataGuardian is actually a bit odd, unless Super Talent just forgot to write some information in the press release or the product page.
You see, DataGuardian flash drives, all flash drives that claim any sort of protection really, usually have AES 128-bit or 256-bit encryption.
Super Talent mentioned nothing like this in regards to the USB 3.0 DataGuardian anywhere. And yet it did specify that the drives in the series were password-protected.
Presumably, this means that it will be a decent option for consumers who want privacy, but not for professionals and businessmen who worry someone might want to hack their storage device to steal trade secrets.
Other than password protection, the flash drives are pretty normal, with the standard two-piece design (complete with cap). The capacities of 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB aren't a shock either, and neither is the price range of $12 / €12 to $25 / €25.
The performance might come as a surprise though. Admittedly, 85 MB/s when reading and 40 MB/s when writing isn't even close to the stupefying data rates of the MS-ES Ultra (which attain 210 MB/s for both), but they're still fine speeds.
Also, being USB 3.0 flash drives means that the Super Talent USB 3.0 DataGuardian will work at full speed, 480 Mbps, when connected through USB 2.0 ports.
It's a very little known fact that storage devices seldom make full use of the interface that connects them to a PC. USB 3.0 flash drives don't really use all those 5 Gbps, but USB 4.0 ones, and maybe USB 3.1 ones, will. It is similar to USB 2.0 backwards compatibility. An ironic reality, if nothing else.
The Super Talent USB 3.0 DataGuardian flash drives should be up for sale soon, if they aren't already, around the world. The password system supports English, Japanese, and German.
All flash drives have an aluminum case, with dark red cap clasps and a gap where you can attach a key chain or lanyard. No sense in having a flash drive if you can't carry it around after all, and while some may prefer just sticking it in a pocket, the lanyard/key chain option is there for whoever wants to use it.