I tried out a $14 USB flash drive and was pleasantly surprised by how fast it was.
It's 2024 and I'm still utilizing USB flash drives.
🚀 The Future of USB Flash Drives: A Closer Look at the PNY Elite-X
The PNY Elite-X Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 Flash Drive.
ENBLE’s Key Takeaways
- I tested a 128GB PNY Elite-X Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 flash drive, available on Amazon for only $14.
- Excellent write speeds, solid performer, and robust enough to survive being carried attached to keys.
- Slip-slide cover on the USB-C connector can be difficult, and there’s no built-in hardware encryption.
It’s strange to still think about – let alone use – USB flash drives in 2024, but they remain the quickest and most convenient way to move data between systems. Sure, I could beam the data as a string of zeros and ones via the cloud, 🌩️ but this soon becomes cumbersome when I need to move gigabytes of data.
This is why the USB flash drive is still relevant. The PNY Elite-X Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 flash drive is a decent drive for anyone looking for one in 2024, and it features an unexpected twist.
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So, What’s the Twist?
To find out, we need to take a closer look at the packaging. 📦
The surprise with the Elite-X is that, during testing, I recorded read speeds that are faster – some 15% faster – than the quoted speeds, which is an unusual but rather pleasant surprise.
But what are read speeds? They are the 🏎️ speed at which your computer or Android device can access the data. If read speeds are too slow, you can’t play media files stored on the drive, and accessing larger files becomes a chore.
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And it’s not just videos. I stored some large image files on the drive – between 100 and 200MB 🎞️ – and they loaded into Adobe Photoshop almost instantly.
Well done to PNY for quoting realistic performance data and engineering a speedy drive!
Benchmarking the PNY Elite-X with Blackmagic Disk Speed Test shows the real-world read speeds to be some 15% faster than the 200MB/s quoted.
Write speeds are not as important. It doesn’t matter if loading files onto the drive takes a minute or two minutes. It’s not critical and doesn’t affect the usability of the drive.
But don’t let me leave you with the impression that this drive is a slouch at write speeds – I copied a 650MB file to the drive in about 13 seconds.
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The drive has a sleek, modern design and fits in well with modern devices. It looks the part plugged into my MacBook Pro or my Android smartphone or tablet.
The sleek design of the PNY Elite-X fits in well with modern devices.
PNY has put thought into protecting the USB-C connector. Rather than using a removable cap that can get lost, the Elite-X uses a sliding mechanism that covers the connector, protecting it from damage.
The upside is that there’s nothing to lose (I don’t know about you, but I can lose those caps in minutes). The downsides are that the slider can be a bit awkward to use and doesn’t protect the port from dirt ingress.
The sliding mechanism protecting the USB-C connector is a much-welcomed upgrade on the removable caps that many manufacturers use.
The drive is encased in tough plastic and has a shiny black piano finish that seems to resist scratches and scuffs quite well. There’s also a loop built into the end to attach the drive to keys, which is a nice touch. It’s clearly quite tough too, since I’ve not yet broken it off.
The PNY Elite-X has a shiny black finish that does a good job of resisting scratches.
The 128GB storage is also plenty for a flash drive. If you need more than this, I’d highly recommend getting an external SSD, which would offer greater flexibility and performance.
Note that there’s no hardware encryption built into the drive – you’re not going to get that for $15! – and if you want that, you’re going to have to buy something like the Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NX, which will cost ten times as much.
💡 ENBLE’s Buying Advice
For $14, the PNY Elite-X USB-C is an excellent flash drive. It’s sleek and modern, and the USB-C connector makes it perfect for those running more modern devices where USB-A and microUSB ports are a thing of the past.
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I’ve been using mine as a repository for Adobe Photoshop files that I move between systems. The drive isn’t super fast, but for making small edits or tweaks to an image, it’s fast enough that I don’t need to copy the files off the drive to use.
💡 Q&A
Q: Can the PNY Elite-X USB flash drive be used with older devices? A: The PNY Elite-X features a USB-C connector, which means it’s primarily designed for modern devices. However, you can use it with older devices that have USB-A ports by using an adapter or dongle.
Q: Is the PNY Elite-X compatible with smartphones and tablets? A: Yes, the PNY Elite-X works with Android smartphones and tablets that have a USB-C port. It can easily expand the storage capacity of your mobile devices and allow you to transfer files quickly.
Q: Does the PNY Elite-X come with any included software? A: No, the PNY Elite-X does not come with any bundled software. It functions as a standard USB flash drive and allows you to store and transfer files without the need for additional software.
Q: Can I use the PNY Elite-X to run programs or applications directly from the flash drive? A: While it is possible to run certain portable applications from a USB flash drive, the PNY Elite-X is not specifically designed for this purpose. Its primary function is to provide convenient storage and transfer of files.
Q: Is the PNY Elite-X compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems? A: Yes, the PNY Elite-X is compatible with multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. Simply plug it into a compatible device, and it should be recognized as a removable storage device.
The Impact and Future Developments
USB flash drives have stood the test of time and continue to be a reliable and convenient method for data transfer. As technology advances, we may see even faster and more compact flash drives with larger storage capacities.
With the increasing prevalence of USB-C ports on laptops, smartphones, and tablets, USB flash drives like the PNY Elite-X are well-positioned to meet the needs of modern users. The improved read speeds and durable design make it a versatile option for both personal and professional use.
As cloud storage becomes more popular, USB flash drives will likely continue to serve as a viable offline backup solution or a way to quickly transfer files without relying on an internet connection.
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🌟 What are your thoughts on USB flash drives in 2024? Have you tried the PNY Elite-X? Share your experiences and join the conversation! 😄
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