USB flash storage

[athlonfan]

Hello,
I was wondering who makes the best flash storage. My biggest concern is write/read speed, but I also want something that has at least 256mb. Also, my computer has USB 1.1. Is there any way to upgrade to USB 2?
Thank you,
Richard

[Imperion1]

For 256mb in flash storage, then you're better off with using compact flash.
Compact flash is up to 512mb.
Multimedia flash is up to 128mb.
Memory stick is up to 128mb.
Smartmedia is up to 128mb.
Pen drive is up to 512mb.
Secure digital is up to 128mb.

As for having USB 2, your only options are to either buy and install a USB 2 PCI card or upgrade your motherboard that has USB 2.

[athlonfan]

If both compact flash and pen drive can have up to 512mb, why do I want compact flash over pen drive? Also, is one USB 2.0 better than another? I used to be into computers a lot, but I went out for a couple of years and it seems like I have missed so much!
Thank you,
Richard

[athlonfan]

One more question: if the USB has to go through the PCI port, will it really be all that much faster than a USB 1.1 that goes directly to the motherboard?
Thank you,
Richard

[BipolarBill]

Just trust him on the flash.

USB 2.0 will be a lot faster than USB 1.1 - 480Mbit/s vs 12Mbit/s.

Here's a good card cheap:

http://www.usbwholesale.com/pci%20usb2%20card.htm

You want an NEC controller.

[Imperion1]

There are multi flash card readers out there. These readers will read either Compact Flash, Multimedia, Smartmedia, or Memory Stick.

But, Compact Flash will keep expanding.

Forgot to ask, but, what were you going to use the flash storage for?

[athlonfan]

I was going to use it for storing files and transfering files between computers, some which aren't are a network but could be, and some which could never be networked together (unless there is a way to connect computers that are 12 miles apart).
Thanks,
Richard

[Imperion1]

Have you thought of using External Hard Drives? You'll be able to store more files this way.