Why is it so hard to find a fast USB thumb drive?

[Thunder Dump]

Back in the day, I had a Corsair Flash Voyager GT4GB (red) USB thumb drive that absolutely rocked. I used it for my PortableApps programs at work and it was like running off an internal HD it was so fast. Well, the thing died on me and although Corsair stands behind their products, they sent me an 8GB as a replacement since they no longer make (or stock) the 4GB. Problem is, the 4GB and smaller drives used SLC technology and the 8GB and larger use the MLC technology. SLC is significantly faster than MLC as far as write speeds go, and when you're using it for PortableApps it makes all the difference in the world.

From what I've read, they currently don't make SLC chips larger than 4GB, so most of the 8GB and larger drives are MLC. Well that's all fine and good but I can't seem to find *any* 4GB or smaller drives that still utilize SLC tech. Why is it so hard to find one?

If anyone knows of a *FAST* (and by fast I mean it needs to be able to run FireFox without stuttering on page loads) USB Flash Drive out there in the market, please let me know. I'll settle for a 2GB or 4GB model as long as it's FAST.

[Drudeboy]

said the bishop to the actress

[mrpesca]

You just lost 99 percent of the people who don't have any idea what you're talking about. I'm pretty technically proficient and I have no idea the difference between MLC and SLC nor the time to look it up. I've never tried running a browser as a portable app but I can see why you would. (Using machines that aren't yours for example, not wanting to use their browser for privacy reasons)

Maybe there is a flash wizard on this forum that can help. Good luck.

[Drudeboy]

Kikatek.com | (RUF2-S4GS-WH/B) Buffalo Stick Type S 4GB High Speed USB Flash Drive with TurboUSB

I'm sure they sell them over there too

[MRJ5]

Originally Posted by Thunder Dump

Back in the day, I had a Corsair Flash Voyager GT4GB (red) USB thumb drive that absolutely rocked. I used it for my PortableApps programs at work and it was like running off an internal HD it was so fast. Well, the thing died on me and although Corsair stands behind their products, they sent me an 8GB as a replacement since they no longer make (or stock) the 4GB. Problem is, the 4GB and smaller drives used SLC technology and the 8GB and larger use the MLC technology. SLC is significantly faster than MLC as far as write speeds go, and when you're using it for PortableApps it makes all the difference in the world.

From what I've read, they currently don't make SLC chips larger than 4GB, so most of the 8GB and larger drives are MLC. Well that's all fine and good but I can't seem to find *any* 4GB or smaller drives that still utilize SLC tech. Why is it so hard to find one?

If anyone knows of a *FAST* (and by fast I mean it needs to be able to run FireFox without stuttering on page loads) USB Flash Drive out there in the market, please let me know. I'll settle for a 2GB or 4GB model as long as it's FAST.

The answer is simple. It is called supply and demand.

When enough people are willing to shell out the bucks for a good flashdrive and someone can make money on it, it will happen. Right now flash drives are cheap and work for the purpose they are being bought for. I have several. If I wanted a portable hard drive I would carry that around.

When enough people are willing to pay they will make it (it will be obsolete in a week but they will make it) Look close I bet they are out now but you won't want to spend the $ to buy it.

[LoKi]

I think the Patriot Xporter is one of the fastest 8gb keys right now.

[coldsteal2]

tigerdirect.com

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...aCjCVqHCjCdwwp

[NoNothing]

Originally Posted by LoKi

I think the Patriot Xporter is one of the fastest 8gb keys right now.

It is, a very high quality flash drive. I'd stand behind that.

+1 to the supply and demand problem. Most people JUST want storage on their flash drive, and speed takes a back seat. Im a Software Engineering major and Im on a computer 90% of my day. I use large, slow flash drives for storage, and networked media for speed essential, non local storage.

Is a flash drive a requirement? Why not step it up to a smallish 2.5" USB Hard Disk? You will gain speed, and only a small amount of size. OR if this is for a laptop only, and its a newer laptop, get one of those 8GB SSD's that goes in the express card slot. Those are SMOKIN fast, we swap them around at work with development databases on them.

[NoNothing]

Originally Posted by coldsteal2

tigerdirect.com

Blasphemer!

Newegg.com > tigerdirect.com

TigerDirect blows, Ive never had a good experience shopping there. This is just my personal opinion though, and I take it out on you!

[coldsteal2]

Ive been buying things from Tigerdirect since 1999 never had
one problem with them and have gotten awesome deals.
They are always great with returns also.
I have built over 11 home computers from thier parts

I have also bought stuff from Newegg.com they are ok to
I guess a bad expereince can turn a person off, i had
one with Sweetwater.com and will never shop with them again
so i understand

[Pwozzie]

I bought this and it works perfect. Newegg.com - CORSAIR Flash Voyager 8GB Flash Drive (USB2.0 Portable) Model CMFUSB2.0-8GB - USB Flash Drives

[coldsteal2]

I need to buy a few, im always wanting to transfer
stuff from my laptop to my PC and its too much trouble
using the hookups, and files too big for DVDs