14 DAY TRIAL // Technology advances at a very fast pace and things tend to become better, faster and smaller. This is the case with portable storage devices based on Flash technology. USB flash drives tend to become smaller by the day, providing users with high storage capacities in a wide range of form factors. Such an example is Imation's Atom Flash Drive, which was unveiled last week.
Imation is among the leading manufacturers of flash-based storage devices and the company is no stranger to small-sized USB flash drives. Just last month the storage company was happy to announce their Nano flash drives which measured 1.75 inches in length and half an inch in width. These drives are now available in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities with a price range of $14.99 to $89.99, depending on storage capacity. With its new Atom Flash Drive, Imation went a little lower with the size of its flash-based USB drives.
The new Atom Flash drives measure less than 1.5 inches in length and are 0.5 inches wide, as the Nanos weight less than an ounce. Because of its small size the drive can easily be attached to other portable devices, making it safer to carry it around, without worrying about misplacing such a small device. The drive is available in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities while providing password protection, partitioning software and Windows Vista ReadyBoost compatibility. The manufacturer suggested retail price ranges from $17.99 to $99.99 US, based on capacity.
Because of its small size factor and price tag, the new Imation flash-based storage solution can really be considered a reliable portable storage alternative for all computer users. Especially since it comes with password protection and drive partitioning capabilities which can ensure a level of security for the data stored on the device.