How smart is that drive?
M-Systems' 256MB smart drive lets users carry programs and personal preferences, launch software and access their data on any Windows XP or Windows 2000 PC. It was among the devices on display Tuesday at an inaugural event sponsored by U3, a consortium of USB flash drive manufacturers bent on advancing smart-drive technology.
Credit: Michael Singer
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Admittedly there isn't much to this technology; a USB interface IC, a DRAM chip, a PCB, and a USB connector. The largest part of the whole thing is the USB connector.
If only we could cut down the size of these things and make them as small -- and thin -- as an actual car key. Then you'd have a real winner of a product.
For now, I'll keep bulky products out of my pocekts. :-)
otherwise, if your pants are so tight that you can't fit a usb-stick in them. maybe you need new pants.
Admittedly there isn't much to this technology; a USB interface IC, a DRAM chip, a PCB, and a USB connector. The largest part of the whole thing is the USB connector.
If only we could cut down the size of these things and make them as small -- and thin -- as an actual car key. Then you'd have a real winner of a product.
For now, I'll keep bulky products out of my pocekts. :-)
otherwise, if your pants are so tight that you can't fit a usb-stick in them. maybe you need new pants.
Personally I don't believe the cost factor for tiny drives is an honest one. I'd expect it costs the manufacturers just a few bucks to make a 1GB SD, for instance. The rate at which the tiny drives have come down in cost (example, $100 buying 50MB 3 years ago, and 1GB today) seems to confirm this. So, unless this new device sells for less than $5, I'd feel like I'm being ripped off.
Personally I don't believe the cost factor for tiny drives is an honest one. I'd expect it costs the manufacturers just a few bucks to make a 1GB SD, for instance. The rate at which the tiny drives have come down in cost (example, $100 buying 50MB 3 years ago, and 1GB today) seems to confirm this. So, unless this new device sells for less than $5, I'd feel like I'm being ripped off.