Back to school: USB keys to store files and documents

The USB flash drive is an essential accessory for anyone working with digital media. Formidably efficient, it comes in both storage capacity and design. The possibilities are nearly endless. So, which USB key to choose for the start of the school year?

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There are indeed many variations of USB keys. Being able to be real computer accessories for work as well as perfect fashion items, they remain to this day the most practical solution (due to their small size) and the simplest for copying and preserving your files. There are different versions depending on their storage capacities, up to 512 GB. Depending on the type of files to be kept, it will therefore be necessary to buy a USB key with more or less storage. For example, to keep simple text documents and a few images, 1 or 2 GB can be more than enough. If, on the contrary, you need to keep music or videos, you will have to move towards a much higher capacity.

Our selection :

1. SanDisk Extrem Pro 256GB USB 3.1 SSD Flash Drive
2. Corsair Voyager GS 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
3. Lexar JumpDrive V10 64GB USB flash drive
4. iStorage datAshur USB flash drive 32 GB
5. Stitch Lynneo 64 GB USB flash drive

Which USB key to choose to store your files?

There are USB drives of all kinds on the market. Ranging from a few GB to more than 500 GB for the latest versions, the models have prices varying according to the storage capacity. But it's not just a question of storage, but of compatibility. You will find different types of USB, ranging from 3.1 to 2.0. These numerical indications may seem opaque, but it is actually quite easy to understand their difference. The 3.0 and 3.1 generation is the most efficient of USB keys, it implies a higher transfer speed. USB 3.1 has superior performance due in particular to its data transfer streams and its bandwidth. USB 2.0 has lower performance, but still efficient.

What is Transfer Speed?

The transfer speed of a USB flash drive is the generic term given to the speed of reading and writing files. In other words, it is the speed that the key puts for the transfer of files, but also for their reading (or opening). The higher this speed (expressed in MB/s), the faster the files transfer and open. This may seem like a detail, but this data is very important when you have to move or copy a large number of files. Some keys will take very little time to copy your data which can weigh several GB, while others will take much longer.

Can a USB 3.0 drive be compatible with a 2.0 port?

Compact USB key or larger USB key?

Beyond transfer and storage performance, the USB key is a fairly small and therefore quite fragile object. Not taking care of your USB key means taking the risk of damaging it and losing the data you have stored on it. Manufacturers are taking more and more care to create resistant models, in particular by betting on coatings or protections for the tip of the key (where the connection between the device and the port is made, which is the more sensitive). It is therefore strongly advised to opt for a compact model, and if possible which is equipped with a shockproof and anti-fall coating. However, a larger USB flash drive limits the risk of loss and has certain advantages (generally, larger storage and better transfer speed performance).

How to choose your USB key according to the files that you have to store?

Depending on the type of files you have stored, you will have to move towards different models of USB key. For both practical and economic reasons, it is important to know beforehand what sizes and types of digital documents you have to copy to your USB. This will allow you to avoid making a mistake in the choice of your purchase. You will thus be able to freely use the storage space provided, without fear of having to buy another copy of the USB key. It will therefore be necessary to focus mainly on the storage capacity of the models.

Which USB key for text document type files and images?

The least heavy files are word processing documents (Word, OpenOffice, Excel, etc.). Weighing in general a few KB, they are compact and can be stored in number. Similarly, some types of image files consume little space, such as JPG or GIF files. If you mainly have to store this kind of files, you can turn to a USB key model up to 16 GB. This will do the job perfectly for collecting almost all of your documents.

Which USB key for music and video files?

Music type files (often in MP3) and video type files (MP4, AVI, etc.) are the most voluminous. Depending on the duration of the latter, they can sometimes weigh up to several tens of GB. If you want to copy films or audio tracks to a key, you will have to turn to a model with a larger storage capacity. Depending on the number of files, it is advisable to opt for a model with a minimum of 64 GB of storage space.

Where to find USB keys with large storage capacities?

You can buy USB keys with large storage capacities (512 GB for the most recent) in stores specializing in computer and digital equipment. You can also find your happiness on some online sales sites, such as Amazon, Fnac or Rakuten. By doing some research, it is quite possible to access press articles on the latest models of USB keys, often accompanied by links to shops.

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