Generally, you don't think "supersize" in relation to a flash drive, a.k.a. that "storage on a stick" that has replaced floppies, CDs and other removable memory.
But it looks like Kanguru Solutions in Millis, Mass., is now home of the whopper, having unleashed the Kanguru Flash Drive Max in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions. The storage capacity isn't the only thing oversized about these drives. They're priced at $800 (16GB), $1,500 (32GB) and $2,800 (64GB).
At those prices, obviously, this line is not geared toward the crowd toting around a few files on gizmos dangling from key chains and neck straps (although the 16GB review unit I received did include a neck strap).
A company spokeswoman confirmed that this product is aimed at business and government users looking for large amounts of storage in a small form factor.
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| The Kanguru Flash Drive Max is the size of a stick of gum and comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions. | |
Although I didn't drop one to test it, the company says the rugged-looking Flash Drive Max is designed for durability and shock resistance. A black aluminum case and the protective end caps certainly give it a solid feel.
Aside from the whopping amounts of storage, the Flash Drive Max sports NAND flash memory, USB 2.0, 9MB/sec. read and 5MB/sec. write speeds and a write-protect lock. It works with Windows 98 Second Edition and higher, Mac OS 8.6 and higher, and Linux kernel 2.4.1 and higher.
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| The smaller Flash Drive holds 512MB to 8GB and is slightly larger than a quarter. |
Using the included KanguruShield security software (Windows only), you can format the drive, partition it or make it bootable, as well as password-protect either the full drive or individual partitions. Flash Drive Max supports FAT, FAT 32 and non-traffic-sensitive formatting.
KanguruShield was easy to install, and using it is very straightforward.
A couple of small quibbles: For the price, it would be nice to have a printed version of the manual, or even a quick-start page with a few key tips listed. I was also surprised to find that KanguruShield was not included on the CD I received because it wasn't ready when the product shipped. That's something you'd expect from a product in the bargain bin.
The 16GB Kanguru Flash Drive Max is currently available through the company's Web site and various online resellers. The higher-capacity drives are scheduled for release next month.
If that's too rich for your budget or overkill for your needs, Kanguru has also released a new flash drive that's about the size of a quarter (yes, the U.S. currency). This Kanguru Flash Drive also comes bundled with the KanguruShield software and is available in capacities ranging from 512MB ($33) to 8GB ($400).
It will be interesting to see if the pricey Flash Drive Max develops a following. It's a little hard to imagine paying as much for a 64GB flash drive as you would for some laptops, but this device isn't meant for mundane use.
How would you use it? Drop me a line at the e-mail address below and we'll run some of your responses in a future column.
Michelle Johnson is a freelance writer based in Boston. Her e-mail address is mijohn@mail-me.com .