Flash Drive Buying Guide

Flash Drives are what most people buy last minute when some IT guy says they need to get one to transfer a large file or when they want to take their music to work. I am writing this quick guide because I hear so many people tell me, after buying a new flash drive, what they paid or what size they decided on.

First, what is a flash drive (aka USB drive or thumb drive)?

USB Flash Drive

A USB flash drive is a data storage device that consists of flash memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, and physically much smaller than a floppy disk.

I think there are only two major factors but quite a few minor factors that you should think about before making your next flash drive purchase.

Major Factors

1. How much storage do I need?
2. What is my budget?

After you answer these two questions you are almost ready. Every other decision will be secondary. When determining the answers for the major factors I think about how much storage I need and then try to buy at least double that if the second factor, my budget, allows it. If you don’t have a specific use or know exactly how much storage you need then your decision is even easier. What is the absolute most storage space I can get for my money.

If you pay more than a dollar a GB for anything 64GB or less I would consider it to much. In other words a 16GB drive should not cost $16 and a 32GB drive should not cost more than $32. Once you get over 32GB then you are paying for the technology of making the larger size available in such a small package and it may cost more. However, finding a $2 2GB drive or a $6 6GB drive won’t be easy, they just don’t sell many drives that cheap.

Next is my list of minor factors. I am going to list each one and give a few thoughts on each one but all of these will infinitely less important that either of the major issues.

Minor Factors

• Physical Size – If you have a purse or bag you will always keep it in then size is no issue but if you plan to keep it in a pocket with several other gadgets keep this in mind.
• Form Factor – This is similar to size but not the same. They make them in many different shapes and configurations. Do you want one that slides out, looks like a bird or even a credit card or a key that will fit on your key ring?
• Style – This is probably the lowest on my list but for some it really is a deal breaker. If it will only be seen between my pocket and my computer I don’t care but if you are an interior designer and you are going to give your pitch or bid and design on a flash drive you may want the design to reflect your image.
• Industrial Design – If you are going to plug it into a tight place you may want to see how the end of the plug was designed to make sure the plastic or metal does not interfere. This can be gotten around with a USB extension cable but that adds another element to keep up with.
• When you need it - If you have to give your report to your boss and it’s to big to email but the deadline is today then you may not be able to wait on even the fastest shipping. If that is the case I use the three store method I will describe below. If you don’t need it today then you can almost always get it cheaper online. The selection online will be broader as well.
• Speed – As the size of these drives gets larger speed matters more. For anyone wanting to transfer large files (multiple GBs as one file) on a regular basis it matters as well. For the bulk of you this will not make that big a difference. You may see a bit of a difference but the actual speed vs. price won’t be worth consideration.

So, you’ve considered all the above options and you are ready to make your decision. For those of you that don’t need it today or tomorrow I will give more information in a moment but first I will address those that need to make their purchase immediately.  Because you can’t look at the larger online decision you are going to be limited and probably have to pay a bit more but all the same factors apply. I consider these factors and then apply the “three store method.”

The Three Store Method (For a quick purchase)

This may be easier for me because I am in and out of more stores that sell flash drives on a regular basis than some but I think it will work for everyone.

1. Think of three stores that carry flash drives (Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max, Target, Wal-Mart, etc) that are close enough to you to run in at least three of them. For me I have already been going in these stores and know the prices but if you haven’t looked then just run in and go straight to the flash drive section.
2. Note the prices and sizes and then move on. I take a picture with my camera phone with the best deals so I can easily remember later.
3. After going to all three buy the best deal. Usually between three stores you will find one or two on sale.

This quick method has saved my clients loads of money. I remember on time I did this and for the size I needed saved over $50 on one drive. I try to avoid Mail in Rebates on these types of purchases because just as you are having to buy it in a rush you may forget to send in the papers in your rush.

Now for the rest of you that have a bit more time to receive your drive. The obvious choice is going to be online. Because you didn’t wait until the last minute you will be rewarded greatly.

If you aren’t a fan of online shopping then the quickest and easiest route will be something like Amazon, Buy.com, Google Shopping, or another major all things online store. If you have a bit more patience or just like to shop online we can save even more.

If you have decided that you want a steal then here is my quick tips to find it:

Tip 1: Look for major sales on the major sites like Amazon and Buy.com

Tip 2: Check the deal sites (There are loads of these so I won’t even mention them but let me know if you want a place to start.)

Tip 3: Read reviews. You will sometimes find people talking about the great deal they got drive X from and you can follow up then.

These deals and prices change daily so I won’t list any directly but in a quick search at the time of me writing this I have found these deals:

4GBZ for $5.95 + free shipping
8GB Flash Drive $5 + Free shipping
16GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive $8 after $10 rebate + Free Shipping
16GB USB 3.0 for $11.99
16GB USB $14.99 + free shipping
16GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive $18.99 + free shipping
32GB, USB 3.0 at for $24.99
32GB, USB 2.0 Mail-in rebate deal! for $19.99
64GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive $49 + Free Shipping

Quick Links (If the store changes the link these will not work, let me know and I’ll update them):

Amazon

Buy.com

Best Buy

Office Max

Office Depot

If you have any questions about this guide or if there is anything you would add or change please let me know! I hope you can get a great deal and save some money!