DataTraveler

The DataTraveler line from Kingston is targeted to mobile workers with a need to carry their information (documents, presentations, etc.) with them for access from multiple machines, including home, mobile, and public PCs. The product line is served in several flavors ranging in capabilities from simple portable storage of documents to built-in synchronization features including personal desktop synchronizations (where a person's application-specific settings--for Web browsing or document management for example--are stored on the device and can be retrieved for use on public PCs).

Each of the drives include an attached USB plug (protected via a separate cap or device swivel action) enabling them to be plugged directly into the USB 2.0 port of the target computer. Available accessories depend on the drive and include USB cable extensions and neck straps. Additionally, some versions of the devices support branding with the customer's logo.

Currently available drives in the DataTraveler line run the gamut from colorful, consumer-oriented devices to ruggedized and encryption protected devices targeted to Enterprise or Government usage. Among the devices offered in the latter camp are:

- DataTraveler Secure, offered in 1, 2, 4, or 8 GB flavors. DataTraveler Secure provides a Windows-based tool that allows users to password protect a data storage area that itself automatically encrypts data (256-bit AES). Encryption is hardware-based. DataTraveler Secure lists read/write speeds of up to 24 MB/sec and 10 MB/sec, respectively, and supports Windows ReadyBoost. An additional version of the product, DataTraveler Secure Privacy Edition, automatically password protects and encrypts the entire drive; and the drive will automatically reformat after 10 unsuccessful access attempts. DataTraveler Secure is delivered in a titanium coated stainless steel casing.

- DataTraveler Vault, which is offered in 2, 4, or 8 GB capacities, is functionally similar to the DataTraveler Secure (including a separate Privacy Edition), and is delivered in an aluminum casing. The DataTraveler Vault is made within the USA (the DataTraveler Secure is not).

- DataTraveler BlackBox, which is the newest product in the family and is offered in capacities of 2, 4, or 8 GB. The BlackBox is FIPS 140-2 certified and, like the privacy editions of the drives above, password protects and encrypts (256-bit AES) all of the data on the drive. It ships in a titanium coated stainless steel casing with a "tamper evident" coating and seal, and lists performance as up to 24 MB/sec read and 20 MB/sec writes. Like the other drives, the BlackBox will automatically reformat after 10 unsuccessful access attempts.

The DriveTravelers are available now. Current street prices for the models described above range from over $50 (Secure, 1GB) to $424 (BlackBox, 8GB).

Visit the Kingston Technology Web site for further information.