Kingston DT100/8GB Data Traveler 100 8 GB USB 2.0 Drive Reviews

• Decent speed, but not ReadyBoost-compatible

  
  By A5JLAU2ARJ0BO on 2008-02-15
  I like Kingston products. They are general of high quality. This 8GB Data Traveler 100 is no exception. It provides solid performance and seems well built. Please note, though, that this drive is not compatible with Windows Vista's ReadyBoost feature -- it says so on the packaging. This means it does not meet the read/write speed requirements of ReadyBoost. But in everyday file copying, it seems pretty fast.
  
  The drive comes formatted in FAT32. If you share this across different OSes -- including Windows 98 or earlier, Mac OS, Linux, etc. -- you might want to leave it at FAT32. If you use Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista exclusively, you may want to convert it to the NTFS format for better performance, as well as for the ability to store files bigger than 2GB. (FAT32 cannot store files bigger than 2GB.)
  
  To convert the drive safely (without losing any existing information already stored on it), follow these steps:
  
  1. Open My Computer and find the drive letter assigned to the USB drive. You'll find the drive with the generic volume name "KINGSTON".
  
  2. Go to Start -> Run, then type "cmd" (without quotes) to open the DOS window.
  
  3. At the DOS prompt, type "convert F: /fs:ntfs" (again, without quotes) -- here I assume your Kingston drive is the F drive -- to convert the flash drive safely, without losing any information. This should take less than a minute.
  
  Note: NTFS does not make your drive faster per se, but provides better behind-the-scenes file management and its biggest benefit is allowing >2GB files.
  
  

• Kingston DT100 8GB Data Traveler - Nice Update to The DT USB Drive

  
  By A17BUUBOU0598B on 2008-05-09
  
  This Kingston DT100/8GB Data Traveler 100 8 GB Drive attempts to achieve some of the features of the Sandisk Cruzer and comes pretty close. The several Kingston usb drives I own, such as the Kingston 8GB DataTraveler USB flash drive have done well for me so far. 8 GB capacity is very useful for large file backups or USB storage and transfer. Overall this is a good product. There are a few caveats though.
  
  This is definitely an improvement over the standard design Kingston uses for the basic Data Traveler. Transfer speeds are better than the basic drive as well, but slower than the top end devices.
  
  In order to enable encryption, there are a few ways but the best may be to use another tool to encrypt the drive after re-formatting it. This way you can test the drive as well as use the encryption you prefer.
  
  The main real competition is from the SanDisk 8 GB Cruzer Micro which also has a retractable USB connector. The body is slightly smaller too, but it is more expensive though. In fact Kingston does compete well on price, which is probably the biggest draw to this drive.
  
  Pros:
  + Kingston brand is perhaps under-rated, almost as good as Sandisk
  + Retractable USB head is convenient - No caps!!!
  + Nice capacity of 8 GB has you future proofed as smaller USB drives start to disappear
  + Durable body and NAND memory stands up to a lot of abuse
  + Compatible with old and new Mac and PC Operating Systems (XP, Vista, OS X)
  + Very light case
  + Rear bar to connect a lanyard or keychain
  + USB 2.0 connection is backwards compatible for older computers
  + Very quickly mounts and stops
  + Less scum-ware and needless apps than some other drives
  + Easy to format and enable encryption to protect your data
  + Enhanced performance is slightly better than the basic USB drive product
  
  Cons:
  - Lanyard or extender accessories not included
  - Doesn't have the good looks of some drives like the Sandisk Cruzer Micro
  - Still somewhat slow speed in copying large files, limited by USB transfer rate
  - Drive is still larger than it has to be
  
  Conclusion
  
  If you must have the retractable head, give this Kingston a try. If you need the smallest drive available, go with the Sandisk Cruzer Micro.
  
  Enjoy!
  
  
  

• Gadgester's Review - 3-stars for all the wrong reason

  
  By A3KQCIGNW04QO on 2008-03-28
  With all due respect, Gadgester deducted 2-stars for the wrong reason. Ready Boost will only recognize flash-drives up to 4GB, so you wouldn't buy this 8GB drive for Ready Boost anyway. Save your money and buy a 4GB if you plan on using it for Ready Boost. If you're looking for a flash-drive that is fast, reliable and has the ability to hold a lot of info, this is a great drive! Highly recommended....
  
  

• Big but awful slow

  
  By A2QYZET30IH2AI on 2008-04-13
  The Kingston 8GB stick is nice and small, gets cheaper every week, has a neat retractable USB plug, and has never given me even the hint of a glitch (unlike other sticks I've used). But... it's so SLOW. When you've got 8GB to fill, a slow transfer rate really grates - I've tried reformatting it from FAT32 to NTFS as some people recommend, and I'm currently reloading the files back on it - it's loaded 4GB in 2 hours 15 minutes, which works out at 0.5m/b per second - lower than USB 1.1 speed. I'm only ever going to use it as a backup archive - no way is it fit for everyday read-write use.
  
  

• Kingston DataTraveler 8GB

  
  By A322ID5DD4536O on 2008-05-08
  I bought this device to transfer digital pictures made in the field and stored on my laptop computer to our desktop computer for processing and storage. This product performs this task very well. The transfer speed is what I have come to expect from a flash memory device. There have been reports that these devices may be slower than thumb drives with smaller capacities, but if so, the difference is not detectable.
  
  The small physical size sometimes causes it to be difficult to find in the camera bag, but that is a minor complaint. There is a LED to confirm that data is being transferred, which some list as a desirable feature.
  
  All in all, this device works very well to transfer raw and jpg pictures between computers with Windows XP operating systems. I gave it five stars because it satisfies my needs and to date, I find no specific faults to complain about.
  
  
• Nice features, low reliability
  By A1A4ADA5NU9X34 on 2008-06-24
  The rest of the reviewers have hit the features spot-on. However, having failed after likely less than 100GB of total transfer, this device has failed. It now no longer powers on in any computer and I have lost all data on the drive.
  
  For transporting data, it seems to be okay. Just be sure that you're not using it as a backup device or as the primary storage device.
  
  
• Works fine, not great for a keychain
  By A1RDZ6REAH74M on 2008-06-10
  I have no problems with this drive technically -- it's fast enough and seems to work perfectly well. But I carry my USB drive on my keychain, and after more than an hour trying to thread the smallest possible ring through the Kingston's recessed end, I had to give up. It's simply impossible. I used a string-type lanyard instead (one I had on hand -- there's nothing in the package). I don't like this -- it dangles more and feels less secure than a simple key ring. I will keep this drive to use as a spare at home, but I'll be ordering the Sandisk that comes with a ring attached to use as my main portable drive.
  
  
• Rocky start, but...
  By A3I1LUO1SMDHVS on 2008-08-08
  At first, this flash drive was so slow I was certain it was defective. It took hours to transfer about 2GB of data, then it aborted before it finished. I tried again, with similar results. I didn't know exactly how an thumb drive was supposed to behave, as this is the first one I've tried, but was quite sure it wasn't supposed to act like this.
  
  I reformatted to a Mac format and tried again. A little better, but still painfully slow, and still freezing before completing the transfer. Back to FAT32. Again, a small improvement, but still unsatisfactory. Back to Mac. More incremental improvement. I tried formatting on a different Mac. Not noticeably different.
  
  After nearly a dozen failed attempts over a couple of days on two computers, I was about to give up on it. I started to write Amazon asking for a refund. Then, more out of stubbornness than anything, I decided to give it one last try.
  
  Voila! It worked (in Mac formatting at this point). It's a mystery why it didn't work at first or why it does now. Nothing seems to have changed: Same files, same USB ports, same computers.
  
  It's still not the fastest thing ever, but that may be inherent to the technology. I have no other flash drives to compare it to. In any case, it's adequate for it's intended purpose, which is to transfer files between my two Macs. It's faster than a wireless network, at least.
  
  Most likely this was a unique, freakish occurrence, but in case it isn't, I thought I'd share my experience to encourage others persist if they have an initial problem.
  
  
• Perfect for large files and storing music
  By A2YYZTX0KP8PY7 on 2008-04-11
  great product. Very simple and great for storing large files. I made three folders that store my documents,music, and pictures in this usb drive and it works great. Once pluged, it almost immediantly recognize it and is ready. My last usb drive in which I stored the same amount has errors and even with a capacity of 8 gb and I storing 2.35gb into it, it showed 3.47gb and has all these errors and had mess up my files. It was a PNY attache usb 8gb. Dont get that product for a usb drive, it messes your files if you put more that 500mb into one folder and corrupts the file. With this DataTraverler I am able to store large files without worry of corrupted files. Also the size is great being a 8gb. Also the tab on the side is great to pull up the usb instead of a cap on top. Simple design and simple to paste things in. Price is great and very cheap for a 8gb. I say get it. But its up to you. I see no flaws in it except of that the cover is platic. But does it really matter? Its not like its going to crack, its still pretty touch. I try bending it with my hands and it doesnt bend easily.Also I heard that kingston is a really good brand. If you need a 8gb usb drive for a cheap price that would last, this is the best drive around for that.
  
  
• Another great Kingston product
  By A3F9710KIUVDGC on 2008-05-28
  This is my second flash drive by Kingston. My first one, a 1GB unit has been working flawlessly for some 4 years now. This one seems also perfectly realiable. Unlike the smaller one, this 8 GB flash drive has no removable cap. Its USB plug-in head is retractable, so there's nothing to lose, nothing to worry about. It was recognized in Vista immmediately, driver installed automatically, ready to use in seconds. Loaded about 2 GB's of portable software, no problems whatsoever. And the loading was fast.
  
  
• Best buy
  By ASR7GCTMJK8UD on 2008-05-04
  USD 32 for 8GB (as of May 2008)? Look no further! Kingston is well known for the quality of its products and this is a killing price. Flash memories are strong, so except you're related to Survivorman Les Stroud you won't need a rugged, more expensive, model;
  
  
• Very good
  By A6FNFU2K5KF6T on 2008-05-05
  Good pen drive enough space but there's no 8 GB as mentioned. I lost 400 MB on this purchase!
  
  
• Read/Write Performance of DT100/8GB
  By A26LQLLTFJC6S6 on 2008-05-27
  I have been using Kingston memory products for many years and have usually experienced fully satisfactory performance... and, the DT100/8GB Data Traveler is no exception for its specified product class. Although this item is not a speed-demon on either read or write, it fully meets most of my application requirements for overall performance and ease of use. That's why I gave it a four-star rating.
  
  
• Speed transfer's too slow
  By A3UYUWW5MA8QF5 on 2008-06-03
  Overall this is a godd product. Compact and slim shape, easy to carry USB. The only observation I would make has t do with the Data transfer speed, I find it tormentingly slow when you try to transfer files bigger than 1GB into the device.
  
  
• Great choice for portable storage...
  By AF6XT53C8AEQF on 2008-06-07
  Ordered two of these & use them with my Asus Eee laptop for watching video directly from these drives. Am waiting for the 32 & 64 GB versions to come out & be reasonable in price. That way...won't even need to use the 4 GB drive which came with the Eee. Can load whatever OS onto one of these & run it from this.
  
  
• Why didn't someone think of this years ago?
  By A36ANK4SBBGU2H on 2008-06-09
  Does exactly what Kingston said it would: stores heaps of data with no problems.
  
  BULLETIN: even works with Windows Vista Home Premium!! (what a shock!)
  
  A spiffy little device at a price that's almost unbelievable. Considering what I've paid for hard drives over the past 20 years, this paltry sum for 8G of storage is a hyper-bargain.
  
  Don't hesitate - buy one (or more) now!
  
  Bottom line: recommended without reservation!
  
  
• Works as Advertised
  By AGFX1DK9EXTAT on 2008-07-24
  Decent drive but I have two minor complaints. The side switch is definately more cumbersome than the top switch on the Sandisk Cruzer drive and the cheap, plastic label Kingston applied on the front of the drive is peeling off, leaving a sticky residue. By trying to remove it completely, you lose imformation about the drive (size, etc.)
  
  
• Kingston DataTraveler 8GB
  By A3P22V05EC1UDU on 2008-08-03
  It's a good product but as expected Kingston has just one drawback in its products.. the retract cap is very useful but the writen label (name and capacity) gets off very easily.. Don't call me nitpicker but it bothers me that kind of things.
  
  In a nutshell, it's worth what you pay for it.
  
  
• Fast Drive with Plenty of Space
  By A27O0VOK8W1QXM on 2008-06-02
  This drive is quick and provides plenty of space for my needs at a great price (I got it on sale). I use it to run PortableApps like Firefox and Instant Messaging programs on the go with public computers. My drive also can boot Linux which is useful for fixing computers when Windows gets a virus or has other troubles. Basically, you'll have more than enough space on this drive unless you store music or movies on it instead of on your media player. Highly recommended!
  
  
• Very Suprised!!
  By A1HHUFDKDW7JOK on 2008-06-10
  Thid drive was just as fast as any other USB drive I have used. It also worked fine for the Ready Boost feature, using 4gigs for that and leaving the rest for whatever I needed. For the price this is a great item. No annoying software, quick enough and ready Boost Compatible. I can move 4-5 gigs of movies in a couple minutes between this and my PC. Best one out there for the money!!
  
  
• USB and Seller both incrediblely excellents
  By A2E1QSLCIS9WC1 on 2008-06-16
  The seller is so fast and so good, and the product is so good
  I am gratefully for both to have buy it and with the Seller
  
  
• Perfect for Graphics
  By A271J6G08P7E97 on 2008-06-28
  8 gigs is perfect size for Graphic file transfer from work to home office. Was concerned about the slide lock, but so far, no problems. 5 second delay for icon to appear on the Mac G5 desktop. Recommend it. GLR
  
  
• 8G Flash drive BEST DEAL
  By A2M1BW5AQLJLOB on 2008-06-28
  Flash may well get cheaper in the future, but this Kingston 8G works in every computer I've tried flawlessly. Excellent deal.
  
  
• Excellent!!!
  By on 2008-07-06
  El producto es excelente. Tanto la calidad como la maniobrabilidad son muy buenas. Lo recomiendo!
  
  
• Great Product...Great Price!
  By A11RVKB8OPR3VQ on 2008-07-07
  Easy to use. I love that it has 8 gigs. I've had it about 3 weeks and I've used it over 20 times. It's great for moving music files from my work computer to my iPod, my other MP3 player, my home computer, friend's computers and iPods, etc. Also, I got a new computer at work, and it only took a few minutes to get all my important files and settings off my old computer and onto my new computer. I'm sure it will come in handy often.
  
  
• Simply Reliable
  By A20VMH7QFV5YB5 on 2008-07-16
  I've had problems with other drives, but not with this one. Sure, it could be faster... but I didn't want to spend the $$$ for something faster. Having the connector slide away is much better than losing an endcap or having your kids accidentally "bend" an exposed one. I'd buy it again.
  
  
• Necessary Flash drive
  By AAON2DCYFBU6U on 2008-07-16
  Very useful and handy when you need to transfer files. It's best to have more memory then needed just in case you might need more space later. Bring pictures to work to show friends. Transfer music from laptop to desktop. Better then having to burn a disc when you just want a simple transfer. Waiting for when they will offer USB car radio input so you don't need to have CD's in your car, just bring in the flash drive and pop it in for mp3's. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Love these things
  By A2QP7XHBB2GLES on 2008-07-19
  I put the pictures from about an 8in stack of CDs on the memory sticks and still have 2/3s of the space remaining. I store the pictures and critical data in a fire safe to protect them. When I moved to the memory sticks it opened up a big space in the safe. The information is much easier to access now that all the pictures of a major catagory are in a single organized location.
  
  
• Excellent value
  By AWPY4WTD5JSNV on 2008-07-20
  I was looking for a big memory stick at a retail store and they were incredibly expensive. This one did the job of saving tons of movie clips...for a fraction of the price. Wish I had found this sooner--I've wasted too much on these in the past!
  
  
• Solid little performer
  By A1KZUJ4W0SRAW on 2008-07-20
  I bought this drive for a few uses. First, to make it easier for me to transport large files from work to home and back again without having to lug my heavy and slow laptop. Second, I wanted to use ReadyBoost (see other reviews for details, but basically Windows Vista can use this drive as additional RAM so you don't have to upgrade!) to pump up memory on my home computer when the drive is just sitting around.
  
  This drive delivered on both. Reading and writing is super fast. I can fill up the drive in a little over a minute, which is pretty outstanding relative to other USB drives. Of course, that means there's less space available for ReadyBoost.
  
  I also use this to use music and videos and photos on my Xbox 360. The Xbox sees the drive and is happy to either play right from the drive or copy to the Xbox hard drive. I find this incredibly useful and very few people seem to know that those little holes on the front of the Xbox 360 are just plain old USB ports. If only the Xbox supported ReadyBoost! :)
  
  One word about the retractable USB connector: NICE. I've had too many break or get crushed, bent, filled with lint/crumbs/crud/etc. By no means is this drive 100% impervious to all that, but at least you have a better chance... and you won't lose the cap.
  
  All in all, this is an outstanding piece of hardware for a very reasonable price.
  
  

• Kingston DTI 4 GB USB Flash Drive
• Western Digital My Passport Essential 320GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive (Midnight Black)
• Kingston Data Traveler 100 4GB USB 2.0
• Kingston 8GB DataTraveler USB flash drive - High Speed USB
• SanDisk 8 GB Cruzer Micro USB 2.0 Drive with U3 SDCZ6-8192-A11 (retail packaging)