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Flash Drive Buying Guide

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:59:48 +0000

Originally posted on HeathCat.es – Holiday Flash Drive Buying Guide 2011 on December 3rd, 2011

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

How much storage do I need?
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.

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.
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.
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):

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!

Discounts for Facebooks Fans

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:52:15 +0000

Starting on January 5th, 2012 all of our FB fans will receive 10% off all service!

Visit and “Like” our page today!
https://www.fb.com/yesprotechcan

Details: Not valid in combination with other discounts, already discounted rates or contract pricing. This deal may be terminated at any time.

Windows 8 (Early Edition) Screenshots – September 2011

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:17:49 +0000

20 Tips For Choosing The Best Domain Name For Your Business

admin — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:22:43 +0000

Tip #4 – Use Correct Grammar and Spelling

4. Avoid Slang – Stay away from slang spellings of words. It is one thing to think up a great brandable name that is easy to remember and quite another to buy a domain name with “r” instead of “are” or “u” instead of “you”.

Keep checking back to see the rest of the list.

How to Remove an Old Hard Drive

admin — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:57:57 +0000

There are several reasons a hard drive might need to be removed from a computer. This article is written to help if you want to discard your old computer without the risk of losing your data to identity thieves. Removing a hard drive is very easy, and anyone who is not afraid to open up her computer can do it. Here are a few steps to help you safely remove a hard drive from your PC.

Difficulty: Easy

1. Back up. If you are going to need any of the data on a new computer be sure to back it up or have a local computer technician back it up for you.

2. Open the case. Be sure that you unplug the computer before opening the case. At this stage we are assuming you are not going to be using this computer any more before discarding it so issues with static are not a worry.

3. Locate the hard drive. Typically, the hard drive will be connected to a flat 2 1/2-inch-wide IDE cable and a power cable. In newer computers the IDE cable has been replaced with a red or blue SATA cable. Hard drives are often housed in removable metal cages that are secured to the computer case with one or more screws. Refer to your user’s manual to locate the hard drive if necessary.

4. Disconnect the hard drive. Unplug the hard drive from the IDE or SATA and power cables. Grab the plastic IDE cable connector with your thumb and forefinger, and gently pull until the connector breaks free. The power cable can be difficult to remove if the connector is fitted tightly. Make sure you don’t bend any of the pins when disconnecting the cables.

5. Remove the hard drive. If the hard drive is fitted in a metal cage, locate and remove the screws that are holding the cage in place. Hold your hand under the cage to catch it if necessary. Once the cage is free, remove the small screws on either side of the hard drive to remove it from the cage. If the hard drive is connected directly to the computer case, simply remove the screws on each side of the hard drive and slide it out of the case.

We hope this has been helpful and easy to follow on your own. However, if you would like assistance we would be happy to help. Contact Protech today if you would like to schedule service.

20 Tips For Choosing The Best Domain Name For Your Business

admin — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:19:15 +0000

Tip #3 – Only One Possible Spelling

3. Make misspelling impossible – Try to find a domain name that only has one possible spelling. Most people cannot spell so make it easy for your visitors to remember by choosing a domain name without a confusing spelling.

Keep checking back to see the rest of the list.

HP LaserJet P2035 Laser Printer – On Sale

admin — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:31:54 +0000

Staples offers the HP LaserJet P2035 Monochrome Laser Printer, model no. CE461A#ABA, for $129.98. With free shipping, that’s the lowest total price we could find by $43. Sales tax is added where applicable. It features a maximum print resolution of 600×600 dpi, up to 30 ppm, 16MB internal memory, 250-sheet paper tray, and parallel and USB 2.0 connectivity.

This deal may expire soon.

Angry Birds Rio for Android downloads for free

admin — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:25:06 +0000

Today only, Amazon Appstore offers downloads of Angry Birds Rio for Android for free.

The survival of the Angry Birds is at stake. Dish out revenge on the green pigs who stole the Birds’ eggs. Use the unique destructive powers of the Angry Birds to lay waste to the pigs’ fortified castles.

Angry Birds features hours of gameplay, challenging physics-based castle demolition, and lots of replay value. Each of the 120 levels requires logic, skill, and brute force to crush the enemy.

20 Tips For Choosing The Best Domain Name For Your Business

admin — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:14:55 +0000

Tip #2 – Make it Short

1. Shorter is Better – The shorter your domain name is the easier it is to remember, the easier it is to type, and the easier it is to tell others about your domain name. All of these are good things.

Keep checking back to see the rest of the list.

20 Tips For Choosing The Best Domain Name For Your Business

admin — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 03:03:24 +0000

Tip #1 – Get a “.com” address

1. Get a “.com” address. It is by far the most popular and recognized domain choice. A lot of people desperate to be creative or to have a name they think is the only option for them choose not to follow this rule. All they are doing is setting themselves up for heart ache. What if you get so big your company is known by people just by its name. They will inevitably type in companyname.com and you have effectively given free traffic to someone else and created confusion for your client.

Keep checking back to see the rest of the list.