Where can I get a cheap 1-2GB flash drive?

valueformoney123

amazon, play.com and r4i.co.uk seem to be good price - play.com & r4i gives cashback via quidco so thats worthwhile

atypical

farso wrote: »

I now use an Integral 256-bit AES encrypted memory stick, password protected and more secure than the government.

You needn't buy a specially encrypted USB stick. You can use software like TrueCrypt to do it for you on any generic USB stick (like this wonderful Christmas tree one ).

Horace

Try https://www.7dayshop.com - I use them for all my USB sticks, printer inks and memory cards for my digital camera.

Fred56

I picked up a 4GB in Adsa for £7 about 4 months ago. They were still available last time I looked (not often I admit as I hate shops). My daughter uses it and it been OK. The brand was Sandisk. It was on a rack in the photo section right next to others costing more than twice as much.

farso

atypical wrote: »

You needn't buy a specially encrypted USB stick. You can use software like TrueCrypt to do it for you on any generic USB stick (like this wonderful Christmas tree one ).

You can, but encryption on that software is easily bypassed and can be prone to failure. A hardware encrypted device ensures that all data is constantly encrypted and much less likely to fail.

atypical

farso wrote: »

You can, but encryption on that software is easily bypassed and can be prone to failure. A hardware encrypted device ensures that all data is constantly encrypted and much less likely to fail.

I wouldn't say easily bypassed but more easily bypassed, yes. In the case of the OP who just wanted something cheap and for people who want to prevent files being stolen from their drive by the layman, I think software encryption is more than sufficient.

I probably should have said hardware encryption is more robust though.

Blacksheep1979

farso wrote: »

You can, but encryption on that software is easily bypassed and can be prone to failure. A hardware encrypted device ensures that all data is constantly encrypted and much less likely to fail.

you're a fool - aes is an algorithm and it's one that you can use without a dedicated chip (and you know what - they're running software anyway). Truecrypt uses AES with a 256 bit key as well so is just as secure and in true money saving fashion is free which means for the £15 you spent on what is effectively a gimmick others can get a 16gb driver cheaper and use free software which is subject to peer review unlike your suggested solution. Also more components on a stick = more things to go wrong, software may fail but is easy to reinstall if hardware (like your encryption) fails it's a pita.