Hasta La Gadget!

California-based flash memory card manufacturer SanDisk has created a small, super-skinny new memory chip the size of a stamp that can hold up to 64 GB of memory.

The SanDisk iSSD measures a diminutive 18 by 20 by 2 millimeters and weighs less than a gram. At 64 gigs (with smaller capacities available), the chip doesn’t quite offer enough oomf for a fully-functional laptop, but should be able to add some memory power-ups to just about everything else.

For now, the company has not released a price on the chip, but is making it available to manufacturers for evaluation. Should tech manufacturers like what they see, we will see this chip make way for all sorts of super-slim, super powerful devices coming our way.

This is the newest entry in the realm of SSD (solid-state drive) technology which allows for memory chips that are increasingly small, require no moving parts, and can run fan-less. They are the reason our gadgets and gizmos continue to get smaller, flatter, lighter, and more powerful.

via NYT

To those of you who wouldn’t be caught dead with a Hello Kitty flash drive, say Vroom! for Flash Rods. The 4GB flash drives are patched into toy cars — some of which are Hot Wheels. Even with the USB end sticking out like a gigantic tailpipe, the car rolls like any other unmodified Hot Wheels car. A light comes on inside the Flash Rod when plugged in and while data is being transferred.

There are over 90 different cars available, including the ’55 Chevy, ’67 Mustang, New Camaro, 2010 Mustang GT500, and even a silver DeLorean. Each car is priced at $25. If that seems like a huge markup for what used to be a child’s toy, consider that each individual FlashRod is assembled by hand.

If the flash drive is too tame, FlashRod also sells external hard drives (500 GB Seagate drives). Models include Audi R8, Nissan GT-R, ’10 Camaro, and Dodge Challenger.

Happy driving!

Sure, we all love USB Flash drives, but with sizes of an inch or two, they’re just huge. Put one in your pocket, and you might actually know it’s there. Remedying this problem is SanDisk with the SanDisk Cruzer Blade. This drive is about the size of a paper clip and weighs about the same as a penny. You might need to put a paper weight on top of it, or your desk fan will blow it away.

The Cruzer Blade comes in capacities ranging from 2GB to 16GB, at prices from $14.99 to $77.99. Despite its size, the company says, it can transfer data quickly. Thanks to its ultra-compact size, you can keep it on a keychain or mobile phone dongle. It comes with a two-year warranty.

It’s not the first thumb drive we’ve seen that taps into eSATA in order to provide near-USB 3.0 speeds without a SuperSpeed socket, but A-DATA’s N909 ditches that awful design scheme from years back in favor of a much more streamlined approach here. Designed to utilize that USB 2.0 + eSATA combo port that’s found on most modern day laptops, the N909 doesn’t require an extra USB connection for power. Internally, the four-channel design enables the stick to achieve transfer rates of up to 90MB/sec (read) and 50MB/sec (write), and it’ll also function just fine in a standard USB 2.0 socket (albeit at far slower speeds). No pricing information is being handed down just yet, but they should hit shelves soon in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities.

Continue reading A-DATA’s N909 thumb drive taps into eSATA for extra oomph

A-DATA’s N909 thumb drive taps into eSATA for extra oomph originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Previously available in 16GB and 32GB versions, Lexar‘s Echo SE line just got gigantic. And a lot more useful, if we should say so ourselves. With many SSDs topping out at 128GB, and quite a few netbooks shipping with 160GB HDDs, having this USB drive plugged essentially allows your entire laptop to be continuously backed up. The built-in, “no touch software” automatically backs up files in use, requiring absolutely no activation on your end. We’re told that the little bugger will work with Windows and OS X platforms, but the assurance of having your mobile life backed up at all times will cost ya. And by that, we mean “make you $349.99 poorer.” It’s available now at various e-tailers (Amazon, Newegg, etc.) if you’re willing to pay the premium.

Continue reading Lexar’s 128GB Echo SE USB thumb drive continuously backs up your netbook, mobile life

Lexar’s 128GB Echo SE USB thumb drive continuously backs up your netbook, mobile life originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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