Buffalo Technology Firestix Type S 4 GB

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Specifications
Memory Size	4 GB
USB	2.0
Write speed	18 MB/s
Read speed	27 MB/s
Extra features	-
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Accessories	Two applications included
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Régis Jehl
Updated: July 24, 2009 - Test date: March 06, 2008

Two apps included

Two software applications come bundled with this model. The first is called TurboUSB, and its purpose is to accelerate the drive’s speeds. We tested it and saw no difference in performance – the read and write speeds remained the same.

The second app is not really bundled with the key; you can download it, free, from the Buffalo site. It’s called Secure LockWare, and it can protect the data on the drive using encryption and a password.

Like the Buffalo Type R, the Type S is marketed as having very high data transfer rates. The packaging reads “Up to 18 times faster than competitors” and “Read speed 27MB/s” and “Write speed 18MB/s.” An excellent drive - on paper.

Elegant design

But before reviewing the results, we should take time to mention the Type S's aesthetics. This drive is particularly well designed – very flat, but a bit long at 7.5 cm by 1.8 cm. The cap fits onto the rear, so you won’t have to worry about losing the cap when the drive is in use.

Genuinely fast rates

The speeds we clocked really surprised us. On paper, this model is slower than the Type R version from the same maker. But in practice, it was the complete opposite. We clocked a write rate of 19.8 MB/s.

The 4 GB of storage space can be filled in 3 minutes 20 seconds. As for read speeds, this key even came close to the OCZ Rally 2 Turbo, with a rate of 27.1 MB/s. That means you can offload its contents in about two and a half minutes.