Thread: USB Drives???

  1. #1
    Registered User khpuce's Avatar
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    USB Drives???

    A couple of days ago, I bought a USB flash drive to copy large files easily. I was quite happy with it until recently I found out that USB hard drives are far more cheaper than flash drives. For example, I could get a 40 GB mobile USB hard drive with about £85 whereas I bought this USB flash drive with only 128 mb for £31.

    This makes me confused!!! Was it a foolish thing to buy the flash drive? Why are usb external hard drives are so cheap compared with flash drives? Any ideas guys???

  2. #2
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    You're kidding me, right? You're comparing apples to oranges here.

    128 mb vs. 40 Gb??

    The flash drives are for quick storage and transfer of data... like a big floppy. The external hard drive is more of a permenant thing.

  3. #3
    Registered User khpuce's Avatar
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    Umm...still in dark.

    Why should I use a flash drive instead of an external usb hard drive for data transfer?

  4. #4
    &TH of undefined behavior Fordy's Avatar
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    Originally posted by khpuce
    Umm...still in dark.

    Why should I use a flash drive instead of an external usb hard drive for data transfer?
    Why use a van when a Renaul Clio would do????

    It's down to size & convenience....I have a flash drive in my pocket as I type, but my portable hard drive is at home in it's case with it's cables and power pack.

    Different tools for different jobs

  5. #5
    Registered User khpuce's Avatar
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    I understand and still feel like a foolish for having the flash drive. As long as it fits into my pocket, I don't mind carrying a portable usb hard drive (I simply can't ignore the huge difference in price regarding the capacity!) but I didn't understand what you meant by the power pack. The ones I've seen just need a single usb cable which comes with the drive.

  6. #6
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    *sigh*... you really don't understand, do you?

    There should be no reason that you would want to carry a 40GB HD around in your pocket. That's not what is meant for. Besides, unless you're a freakin giant, you're not gonna fit one in your pocket. And there are mechanical parts inside of a USB external drive. In your flash drive, there are no mechanical parts, so it's safe to have it in your pocket or even drop it.

    If you don't understand, there is no helping you.

  7. #7
    Registered User major_small's Avatar
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    think about it this way:

    hard drive is kinda like a hard drive... stays where it is
    flash memory is kinda like a floppy disk - it fits in your pocket...

    hard drive is used to keep memory for longer periods of time, where a flash drive might be used to transfer memory from one hard drive to another...
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  8. #8
    5|-|1+|-|34|) ober's Avatar
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    Originally posted by major_small
    hard drive is used to keep memory for longer periods of time, where a flash drive might be used to transfer the partial contents of memory from one hard drive to another...
    Fixed.

  9. #9
    Registered User major_small's Avatar
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    ^ thanks

    >>As long as it fits into my pocket, I don't mind carrying a portable usb hard drive
    well, a 80GB internal hard drive will probably fit in your pocket too, it doesnt' mean it makes sense to take it out of your computer and put it back in all the time... and hey, if you bring your main HD with you, it's like having your computer with you all the time... you even have your OS and preferences set
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  10. #10
    Registered User khpuce's Avatar
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    Besides, unless you're a freakin giant, you're not gonna fit one in your pocket. And there are mechanical parts inside of a USB external drive. In your flash drive, there are no mechanical parts, so it's safe to have it in your pocket or even drop it.
    Well... that makes some sense (that mechanical thing )

    As for carrying, I don't have to be a freakin giant but perhaps will need a giant pocket

  11. #11
    PC Fixer-Upper Waldo2k2's Avatar
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    no offense, but if you don't understand the difference, you don't need either....
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  12. #12
    Registered User TravisS's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Waldo2k2
    no offense, but if you don't understand the difference, you don't need either....
    Not really true. You don't have to understand the difference to have a need for the product.

  13. #13
    Microsoft Lover afreedboy's Avatar
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    I think flash drive is easy to carry and hard disk shouldn't carry along with wherever we go. From my knowledge, hard disk is easier to damage.

  14. #14
    PC Fixer-Upper Waldo2k2's Avatar
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    Originally posted by TravisS
    Not really true. You don't have to understand the difference to have a need for the product.
    yeah maybe not true in all circumstances...but i still stand by my statement
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  15. #15
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    As for carrying, I don't have to be a freakin giant but perhaps will need a giant pocket
    Well...you will neither have to be a freakin giant nor you will need a giant pocket to carry a usb drive. I've seen very slim (& light) usb hard drives which will easily fit into your ordinary shirt's pocket. I would like to go with the hard drive though I agree it is easier to get damaged.

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