Another category that has enjoyed an incredible evolution in the last few years is the portable flash drive market as capacities, form factors and functionality continue to head in some amazing directions.
Kingston is one such manufacturer who has come to market with drives in this category that have helped take it to new heights with each passing product cycle. At CES, Kingston showed the DataTraveler (DT) 400 that comes preloaded with MigoSync data synchronization software that allows users to work between multiple PCs by directly synchronizing files, email, and Internet Browser settings onto the drive. The DT 400 is available in 2, 4, and 8GB capacities. The DataTraveler (DT) 110 allows users to transfer and share information, photos, music and other files with the 1GB mode down to $12, 2BG priced at $21 and 4GBs at $35. Perhaps coolest of all is the fact the personalization craze has hit this market as well with the DataTraveler Style that allows users to customize the exterior of their drive with one of several pre-packaged “inserts”. Users can also go to http://www.kingston.com/style to create inserts form their own original art such as graphics and photos. In addition, text can be created to easily identify information on the Flash drive such as “My Music” or “My Photos”, etc.
SanDisk also made big news at the show with the announcement of their new media cards for HD video – SanDisk VideoHD cards were unveiled in SD format that allow for the capture of true HD video, with an 8GB card holding approximately 120 minutes worth. It was very clearly a show where many of the media vendors began bracing themselves for the continued revolution we are seeing in the consumer video space.
SanDisk’s Chairman & CEO Eli Harari, addressed the media at the SanDisk CES press event and spoke about the company’s launch into what is essentially five new markets: Notebook (SSD), Desktop (Windows Vista/ReadBoost), Personal Video (Sansa View), WiFi/Community (Sansa Connect), Home (USBTV). “It’s just not enough to be a flash memory supplier. We want to move beyond a commodity supplier and reach the end user,” he explained.
PNY also checked in on the huge memory increase we have seen and will apparently continue to see as they displayed their new 8GB SDHC cards (yes, excellent for HD video), along with their 32GB flash drive and offered up a bit about their planned partnership with National Geographic aimed at promoting the company’s high-speed SDHC, SD and CF cards for the professional photo market.
