PNY 4GB XLR8 Performance Edition USB 2.0 Flash Drive P-FD4GBXLR8-FS

It has a very high transfer rate 30MBps Read, 20MBps write.

I use it 4 all kinds of media, but, with all the other storage devices I have it's a little difficult 2 find the time 2 use it.

If you want extremely high speed & storage speed, this is about as close as you can get.

First I will state my purpose & usage so you know why I chose this device, then I will provide my comments. I was looking 4 a 4GB+ device that would be used exclusively 4 running portable applications. U3 devices would be acceptable, but speed is paramount 4 these type of devices. My research indicates if you are using a device 4 Vista ReadyBoost, you need the speed as well; however, I don't have Vista & wouldn't use this device 4 that anyway (because of my current needs 4 it). Secondarily, I am in IT & frequently loosing caps and/or having them wear out. So any design that would fit in most computers next 2 another USB stick while still keeping the cap attached was a big bonus. Cost was a third factor in the equation.

I shortlisted this device with the Corsair Voyager GT, Corsair Survivor (& Survivor GT), & OCZ ATV Turbo due 2 speeds attainable. While this is probably the slowest of the devices, it was also the least costly. Availability was another issue with the OCZ ATV line of devices at the time of purchase. In the end, it was cost & cap design that drove me 2 this device over the others. While they are certainly capable devices, some of them were twice the price of this one. Also, due 2 their focus on durability, they were generally larger, especially around the support shoulders where they could prevent other devices from connecting on many computers.

The speed of this device does not disappoint. It is very fast compared 2 other devices I have had (mostly Sandisk cruiser line) & much larger capacity 2 boot. The swing cap is a big bonus & does not get in the way at all. Occasionally, it will swing sideways while inserted in the computer, but this is only when I bump it & these bumps could normally cause the device 2 disconnect at best & break at the shoulder at worst. So this is actually a benefit in disguise. On the down side, it is rather long, so when it is plugged in, it is somewhat more likely 2 get bumped. Also on the down side, the device feels flimsy. Maybe it is just the swing cap, but it just doesn't feel very durable. This is not a bad thing 4 me, but if you are clumsy with your devices, steer clear.

All in all, I would rate this device overall a 4+ out of 5. Each person buys these things 4 different reasons, & if you are looking 4 a device that is fast, relatively cheap, & has an integrated cap, this is your device. If you are looking 4 something sturdy or physically small while still maintaining large capacity, look elsewhere.

Designed especially 4 hard core gamers & enthusiasts, PNY's XLR8 Flash Memory enables you 2 save games, images, music & videos faster. These cards are compatible with the latest gaming consoles & other SD compatible devices, such as, digital cameras, MP3s, PDAs & smartphones.