A whopper of a flash drive

19.04.2006
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 US$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.

In addition to the neck strap, the Flash Drive Max was bundled with a USB extension cable, a setup CD and a protective end cap. The drive itself is about the size of a pack of gum, larger than some other flash drives but still pocket-size and ultraportable.

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.