Although I am a heavy user of NAS, even in today's increasingly developed era of cloud storage and network transmission, I find that everyone still needs to have a USB flash drive in their drawer. After all, our work and life are inseparable from information exchange with colleagues and friends around us. Especially in office and learning scenarios, although I don't use it often, there are times when I suddenly need to share some materials with someone. At this moment, the portable, plug-and-play, and flexible USB flash drive comes into play.
The 618 shopping festival is coming soon, which is the best time to buy electronic products. I would like to share with you the most used USB flash drives in our office, a few cost-effective and high-performance models from Patriot aigo, to provide some purchasing ideas and recommendations for partners who are preparing to buy a USB flash drive.
What parameters should you consider when buying a USB flash drive?
1. Capacity
Common USB flash drive capacities include 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
Considering potential future needs, it is most cost-effective to choose a capacity slightly larger than the information you usually copy. It is also not recommended to buy less than 32GB, as file formats are now very large, and the price of USB flash drives is not as expensive as before. Starting from 32GB, most office documents, system installation, and audio and video files can be accommodated. For larger capacities, it would be more cost-effective to use a portable hard drive.
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2. Interface Type
USB flash drives mainly have USB Type-A and Type-C interfaces. When buying a USB flash drive, you need to consider the compatibility of the USB interface with your devices. Nowadays, new laptops and tablets are basically equipped with USB Type-C interfaces, while older computers or desktops may only have USB Type-A interfaces.
The interface type determines the physical connection method of the USB flash drive, including the shape and size of the USB flash drive.3. Transfer Speed
The speed of a USB flash drive generally refers to its transfer speed, which is divided into read speed and write speed. Under normal circumstances, the read speed is greater than the write speed. The speed you see is usually the read speed, but during use, the write speed is more important and also needs to be a focus of attention. The transfer speed of a USB flash drive is mainly determined by the interface protocol. The protocol standards (USB 1.x, USB 2.0, USB 3.x, USB 4, etc.) define the data transfer rate, power supply, signal transmission method, etc. Different versions of the USB protocol support different transfer rates. Generally speaking:
● USB 2.0: 480Mbps (60MB/s)
● USB 3.0: 5Gbps (625MB/s)
● USB 3.1: 10Gbps (1250MB/s)
● USB 3.2: 20Gbps (2500MB/s)
● USB 4: 40Gbps (5000MB/s)
When purchasing, just choose the mainstream USB 3.0 or above. The price difference between 2.0 and 3.0 is not very large.
4. Types of Flash Memory Chips
The type of flash memory chips in a USB flash drive refers to the types of flash memory chips used inside the drive to store data. These flash memory chips are the core storage medium of the USB drive, affecting its performance, durability, and price. The common types of flash memory chips currently are SLC, MLC, TLC, and QLC.● SLC (Single-Level Cell, single-layer storage cell), each storage cell stores 1 bit of data, has fast write speed, high durability, and a long lifespan; moreover, the theoretical number of erase cycles for a single particle is at least 100,000 times;
● MLC (Multi-Level Cell, multi-layer storage cell), each storage cell stores 2 bits of data, with a single particle erase cycle of 3,000-5,000 times;
● TLC (Trinary-Level Cell, three-layer storage cell), each storage cell stores 3 bits of data, with a single particle erase cycle of 500-3,000 times;
● QLC (Quad-Level Cell, four-layer storage cell), each storage cell stores 4 bits of data, with a single particle erase cycle of 100-300 times.
If you need high performance, such as frequent write operations or high-speed data transfer, SLC or MLC may be a better choice; for the daily use needs of most people, USB drives with MLC or TLC particles are already sufficient.
5. Special Features
In some specific scenarios, there may be special requirements for the waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and drop-proof performance of a USB drive. When selecting, choose according to your own usage needs.
● Waterproof: Good sealing performance can prevent moisture from entering the interior of the USB drive, protecting the data from the effects of dampness and water immersion.
● Dustproof: Prevents dust and other tiny particles from entering the USB drive, avoiding damage to the internal circuitry.
● Shockproof/Drop-proof: Adopts more robust materials and structural design, capable of withstanding a certain degree of falls or vibrations, protecting the internal storage chips from damage.● Temperature Tolerance: Capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, maintaining stable performance from the coldest to the hottest conditions.
6. Appearance
This is not about whether it looks good or not, but whether it is designed to be easy to carry and operate. Some USB drives have key rings for convenient hanging on keys, or dual interfaces, which greatly enhance adaptability; there are also small differences such as push-pull or straight plate styles, which have a slight impact on the convenience of daily use.
7. Brand
I believe that products that are used frequently or need to be "on standby" for a long time are most affected by product quality. Many electronic products are fine when used every day, but are prone to failure when used infrequently. When choosing a USB drive, the brand should not be overlooked. Well-known brands can provide more reliable quality and after-sales service.
aigo is a big domestic brand that has been deeply involved in the storage industry for 24 years, constantly innovating and introducing new products. This year, it launched a USB drive with a read speed of 440MB/s, which is the first time a domestic brand has launched a USB drive with a speed of over 400. In the industry, it is also in the leading group, which shows that the strength of the aigo brand is still very good, and it is also the most used brand in our office.
Take your USB drive as needed
I have sorted out the top 10 popular products of aigo on sale, covering cost-effective models, performance models, large-capacity high-speed transmission, and other aspects of products worth recommending. If you want to make a quick purchase, you can directly look at the table I sorted out. If you don't know how to choose, you can continue to read the following. Everyone should buy according to their needs and consume rationally.
1. aigo W381 USB3.2 Dual Interface USB DrivePrice: 69.9 yuan (128GB), dual USB-A/USB-C interfaces, 220MB/s read speed.
The W381 is a USB 3.2 flash drive with both USB-A and Type-C dual interfaces, featuring a read speed of 220MB/s. It uses 3D TLC original chips, ensuring fast transfer speeds and good durability.
Available in three different capacities: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, it has a metal casing and a rotating storage mechanism that provides some dust-proofing effect. Whether for work or daily life, this flash drive is sufficient, and the price of 0.59 yuan per GB offers high cost performance.
2. aigo U357 Dual Interface 440MB/s
Price: 99.9 yuan (128GB), dual USB-A/USB-C interfaces, 440MB/s, 0.78 yuan/GB
If you have the need for fast and large file transfers, the U357, launched this year with a speed of over 400MB/s, is the most suitable for you. It is the first product in the domestic brand to exceed a speed of 400MB/s, and it is still a dual-interface USB flash drive with USB-A and Type-C, supporting USB 3.2 high-speed interface protocols, 3D TLC original chips, 40nm main control chips, and powerful parameters such as mobile phone expansion and cross-screen intercom transmission.
The capacity range is relatively large, with various capacities available for purchase according to your needs: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. It features a sliding protective structure with a low-key and durable appearance.
3. aigo U397 Ultra High-Speed Solid State Flash Drive 1000MB/sPrice: 219 yuan (256GB), dual USB-A/USB-C interfaces, 1000MB/s, 0.86 yuan/GB
If you are looking for even faster speeds, take a look at the U397. It is an ultra-high-speed solid-state drive with read speeds up to 1000MB/s and write speeds of 900MB/s. The U397, which supports Windows To Go, features dual interfaces and does not require an adapter for plug-and-play efficiency in office use.
Available capacities include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The flip-cover protective case has the appearance of a USB flash drive, but it is actually a hidden powerhouse, with high performance corresponding to a relatively higher price.
4. aigo P1 Portable Solid State Drive
Price: 799 yuan (2TB), dual USB-A/USB-C interfaces, 2000MB/s.
Users who frequently transfer large data such as high-definition photos, 8K videos, and HiFi music are recommended to choose the P1 Portable Solid State Drive (PSSD), which is the size of a USB flash drive. It has a maximum read speed of 2000MB/s and a write speed of 1800MB/s, conforming to the high-speed interface standard of Type-C USB 3.2.
Available capacities include 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The body is made of tough aluminum alloy, shockproof and drop-resistant, and can be used freely. It is very suitable for broadcasters, photographers, and other people who frequently need to copy large amounts of data.
5. aigo U310 Pro High-Speed Waterproof Metal
Price: 29.9 (64GB), single USB-A interface, 150MB/s.Looking for a compact and waterproof USB flash drive? Check out the U310 Pro, which uses the USB3.2 protocol with a read speed of 150MB/s. It can transfer 3GB of data in less than 30 seconds, making it more than sufficient for everyday use.
The U310 Pro is available in capacities of 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. It has a simple structure and is made of high-strength zinc alloy material with a UDP one-piece encapsulation, which not only provides shock and dust resistance but also withstands high and low temperatures, as well as being waterproof. If you need a USB flash drive with a simple and easy-to-use USB interface, this one is perfect for you.
6. aigo U331 Ultra-low-priced USB flash drive
Price: 29.9 (32GB), single USB-A interface, 120MB/s.
For a price of less than 30 yuan, you can get a 32GB USB flash drive with a transfer speed of 120MB/s. I call it the "social king" because it is highly suitable for office workers and students. Even if it gets lost, you won't feel heartbroken. The USB3.2 protocol ensures high-speed file transfer capabilities.
The aigo U331 is available in capacities of 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. It features a traditional cap-style protective cover for solid physical protection. The device also has a lightning indicator light to show the working status and comes with a key ring for easy carrying to prevent loss.
7. aigo U353 USB flash drive with the lowest unit volume price
Price: 49.9 (128GB), dual USB-A/USB-C interfaces, 120MB/s, 0.39 yuan/GBThe U353 can be considered the true king of cost-effectiveness, capable of achieving a unit price of 0.39 yuan/GB. In terms of configuration, it is by no means inferior. It supports dual platforms of mobile phones and computers with dual USB-A/USB-C interfaces, using a USB 3.2 interface, with a storage read speed of 120MB/s, and is also compatible with multiple platforms.
The capacity options include 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The casing is a 360-degree rotatable full-metal body, equipped with a smiling face anti-lost hanging hole, and the body is compact.
8. aigo U350 Dual Interface Cross-Platform Free Transfer
Price: 56.91 (128GB), dual USB-A/USB-C interfaces, 150MB/s, 0.47 yuan/GB
If you want a product with a slightly faster transfer speed than U353 and a similar unit price, take a look at U350. The transfer speed is 150MB/s, using the USB 3.2 high-speed interface standard, supporting iPhone 15/Android/HarmonyOS mobile cross-platform expansion and transfer, and can be flexibly switched between mobile and computer terminals during travel, so that the mobile phone no longer has to worry about insufficient capacity.
The capacity options include 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The casing is a 360-degree rotatable metal material, compact in size, and equipped with an anti-lost hanging hole.
9. aigo U330 Classic Never Out of Style, Sales Champion
Price: 32.9 (64GB), single USB-A interface, 200MB/s, 0.50 yuan/GBThis model is an upgraded version based on the classic U330. Since its launch in 2017, the old U330 has shipped over 9 million units. The upgraded version has achieved a read speed of 200MB/s. Although it has a single interface, it adopts the USB3.2 high-speed interface standard. At this price and speed, what more could you ask for?
The capacity options are 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, still featuring the classic metal material and swivel casing.
10. The aigo S7 is the smallest ultra-fast portable solid-state drive.
Price: 489 (1TB), dual USB-A/USB-C interfaces, 520MB/s, 0.48 yuan/GB
This is another portable solid-state drive with fast transfer speed, large capacity, small size, and strong compatibility. The S7 is equipped with dual USB-A/USB-C interfaces, with a USB3.2 interface transfer read speed of up to 520MB/s. It can also connect directly to a mobile phone for smooth data transfer. The available capacities are 250GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. It comes with a USB-A/USB-C adapter, supports the Windows To Go feature, and solves the problem of Mac systems not being able to use Windows for office work. With just the adapter, it can be perfectly integrated, making it user-friendly for both Apple and Windows dual-system users.
In conclusion, with the development of technology, the read and write speeds and capacities of USB drives are also continuously improving. Compared to wireless transmission, they have an irreplaceable role in flexibility and durability.
The 10 Patriot USB drive products introduced this time cover almost all parameter requirements of USB drives, from single-function to those with extremely high demands for read and write speeds, they can meet the needs of all types of users.Nowadays, a USB flash drive can basically last for over 10 years. When purchasing, it is important to choose a reliable brand, which will give you more peace of mind when storing important data.
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