256 GB USB flash drive shipping in the US

(PhysOrg.com) -- Kingston has released a new 256 GB USB flash drive for sale in the US. The drive is called the DataTraveler 310 and is basically the same as the model DataTraveler 300, also with a massive 256 GB capacity, which went on sale in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia/Pacific region in mid 2009.

The DataTraveler 310 is a standard flash drive but it can store data equivalent to up to 54 DVDs, 365 CDs or 51,000 pictures, according to Kingston’s USB business manager Andrew Ewing. He said feedback from customers and the company’s own research had found there was a need for an easy storage solution for large amounts of data, and the device would be useful for people such as engineers, architects, and designers, who need to transport and store huge data files.

The DataTraveler 310 is compatible with Windows (XP, Vista and 7), Linux (v2.6 or later), and Mac (v10.3 or higher). Data transfer rates for the new flash drive are 25 MB per second (read), and 12 MB per second (write). Up to about 90% of the flash drive’s capacity can be password protected without the need for administrator rights. The dimensions of the device are only 73.7 x 22.2 x 16.1 millimeters. It comes with a protective cap that can be fitted to the back of the flash drive.

The recommended retail price for the DataTraveler 310 is $1,108, and it is protected by a five-year warranty. It is the first USB flash drive of its capacity to be offered for sale in the US.

© 2010 PhysOrg.com