LaCie FastKey: USB 3.0 allied with SSD

 

Given its measurements (2.7 x 10.4 x 0.9 cm for 33 g), it can be considered either as a large USB 3.0 key or a small external SSD; both technologies are moreover identical as they use flash memory for their storage space. The arrival of the new USB 3.0 standard - with transfer rates equivalent to  the SATA standard - now allow the use of rapid SSD memory in USB keys. The time is getting near when we'll no longer be talking about USB keys but rather internal and external SSDs.
 
To get back to the FastKey, speeds of up to 260 MB/s have been announced. This number is no doubt for sequential reads of large files. It also uses 256 bit AES encryption to secure the stored data. The casing is made of metal, ensuring both solidity and good heat dissipation. Finally, a 4 GB online storage facility from the site Wuala is included with purchase of the key.

It will be available on the LaCie.com site in 30 GB, 60 GB and 120 GB versions in December and will be on sale in other stores shortly afterwards.

> First test of a USB 3.0 key: Mach Xtreme Technology MX-FX 32 GB

> USB Key Reviews