New Tests: Five USB keys, from 4 GB to 32 GB

The amount of memory available in USB keys keeps on growing.  These handy little accessories are indispensable for many of you, so here are the results of our tests of five models ranging in size from 4 GB to 32 GB.

Gemalto YuuWaa 4 GB: Gemalto is more known for making credit cards and other systems, but this new key has an interesting extra: as well as having room for 4 GB of files, the manufacturer includes an extra 8 GB of online storage free for six months.

Maxell SSD 32 GB: Like other manufacturers in the field, Maxell has called its 32 GB key 'SSD', claiming it offers write and read speeds of 24 MB/s and 75 MB/s respectively using eSATA, although the claims are a little less bold with USB.

We have three SanDisk models: the Cruzer Titanium 16 GB has a solid-looking metal exterior, and, like the two other SanDisk keys on test, has a slide-out USB connector.  The Extreme Cruzer Contour 16 GB has an unusual design, and promises speeds of up to 25 MB/s.  Finally, the Ultra Backup 32 GB features a hotkey to automatically launch the included backup software.

> Test: Gemalto YuuWaa 4 GB
> Test: Maxell SSD 32 GB
> Test: SanDisk Cruzer Titanium 16 GB
> Test: SanDisk Extreme Cruzer Contour 16 GB
> Test: SanDisk Ultra Backup 32 GB

> Product Survey: USB Keys

> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products