SanDisk recently released this new top-of-the-range USB flash drive, the Extreme USB 3.0, available in 16, 32 and 64 GB versions (we tested the 64 GB model). The data transfer speeds announced in the tech specs are quite simply incredible, with the read speed promising 190 MBps and the write speed at 170 MBps.
To keep things simple, this USB flash drive has a practical retractable connector instead of a removable cap. That's one less thing to lose, then! However, after just a few days' use, the sliding mechanism started to make a bit of a squeaking noise each time we used it.
The good news is that our test readings aren't too far from SanDisk's promised speeds. We measured the Extreme at just under 190 MBps when reading large files and at almost 140 MBps in write mode. It therefore takes 29 seconds to load it with a 4 GB file and 21 seconds to remove the same file again. With data transfer this fast, the SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 is the speediest USB flash drive we've seen yet. It's really very impressive!
Note that to enjoy data transfer this fast you'll need a computer with a USB 3.0 connection.
To keep things simple, this USB flash drive has a practical retractable connector instead of a removable cap. That's one less thing to lose, then! However, after just a few days' use, the sliding mechanism started to make a bit of a squeaking noise each time we used it.
Performances
The good news is that our test readings aren't too far from SanDisk's promised speeds. We measured the Extreme at just under 190 MBps when reading large files and at almost 140 MBps in write mode. It therefore takes 29 seconds to load it with a 4 GB file and 21 seconds to remove the same file again. With data transfer this fast, the SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 is the speediest USB flash drive we've seen yet. It's really very impressive!
Note that to enjoy data transfer this fast you'll need a computer with a USB 3.0 connection.
Pros
- Incredible data transfer speeds! (190 MBps read speed, 140 MBps write speed)
- Retractable USB connector
- USB 3.0 interface
- File encryption software included
Cons
- Retractable connector's slider mechanism feels a bit cheap
Conclusion
Once again, SanDisk has outed an excellent USB flash drive. With data transfer speeds reaching 190 MBps in read mode and 140 MBps in write mode, it's the speediest flash drive we've seen yet. It's not badly priced for the amount of memory on offer, either.
OUR SCORE
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