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By Kelly Lu (kellylu@onepc.net) - September 9, 2001
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Sure.
The computer industry has been spending years trying to find a way to just get the floppy disk drive out of the common computer. So far, though, we've had little luck in finding a viable alternative. Sure, we've had the ZIP drives and the "super" floppy drives, but none has gathered much wide-acceptance, which meant that they could only be used on the, somewhat limited, number of computers that do support them. The CD-RW drive is the closest floppy alternative that I can think of at this moment, allowing users to copy data onto a CD-R or CD-RW disc and which can be read on virtually any CD-ROM drive--but not written to, thus, still not making it the ideal floppy-replacement product.
Many users need to be able to take their data on the road and be able to access, alter and delete that data on almost any computer they use--and not just 1.44MB of it. There is a product on the market that allows this type of functionality: EasyDisk. It utilizes something that almost all modern computers have (or should have): a USB port.
Available in flavours with 16MB of storage space, which is still plenty for storage of personal documents or even some MP3 files, to a quarter of a gigabyte, EasyDisk is a very small, light and innovative product that seems to have a lot of potential. By using a computer's USB port, it eliminates the need for a specific disk drive, thus, enabling instant, wide-spread utilization on already-installed hardware. That is the marvel behind EasyDisk.
One other plus lies in the EasyDisk's solid-state memory. Unlike hard drives and CD-ROM drives, which use moving parts, the EasyDisk's solid-state memory won't skip or damage from shakes and bumps--at a reasonable amount, of course. This makes it a very good device for carrying around in a pocket, for example.
Specifications
The specifications really explain for themselves. Global Channel Solutions, the company behind EasyDisk in North America, makes many versions of the EasyDisk, each differing only in their storage capacities--the maximum being 256MB, which should be enough for anyone.
| EasyDisk | |
| Model: | ED1016/ED1032/ED1064/ED1128/ED1256/ED1512 |
| Capacity: | 16MB/32MB/64MB/128MB/256MB/512MB |
| Hardware: | IBM PC or Compatible PC or Notebook with USB interface |
| Operating System: | Windows 98/SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP |
| Drivers: | Only Windows 98/SE needs the EasyDisk driver. |
| Power Supply: | No external power supply, USB power supply (4.5V to 5.5V) |
| USB Host Interface: | Universal Serial Bus 1.0/1.1 (USB 1.0/1.1) |
| Operating current: | <50mA |
| Suspend current: | <300uA |
| Data retention: | Over 10 years |
| LED Indicator Light: | Light on: Connected and working, Flashing: reading and writing data |
| Reading speed: | 950KB/S (3MB/S with Windows cache) |
| Writing speed: | 600KB/S (2MB/S with Windows cache) |
| Dimensions | LxWxH: 81mm x 23mm x 12.5mm |
| Weight | 15g approximate |
I am reviewing a 16MB version of the EasyDisk.
Pricing
When it comes to something like the EasyDisk, it's important to look at the price. Fortunately, Global Channel Solutions is selling this product at some very competitive prices; take a look:
| 16 MB | 32 MB | 64 MB | 128 MB | 256 MB | 512 MB |
| $59 | $89 | $139 | $189 | $399 | Coming Soon |
While at capacities of less than 64/128MB, the price of the EasyDisk is quite within reach for most people. At 256MB, though, the price of $400 USD seems to be a little steep especially when a 128MB version costs less than half of that. Still, for users who need 256MB, the option is still there.
Let me tell you, this thing is small! About half the size and weight of a fat highlighter, the EasyDisk can easily be mistaken for one itself--of course, taking the cap off and noticing the USB plug will always re-affirm that this is much more than just a highlighter! My only complaint with the design of this device is that I find it hard to un-cap--some grips on the cap might help.
It comes with quite a bit of accessories for something as simple as this tiny removable drive with no moving parts. I really like how EasyDisk included an extra USB cable, so to allow the user to plug and unplug the device without having to reach around to the back of a computer where there are no USB ports on the front. Another nice accessory is the included EasyDisk carrier, which is basically a pouch that can be hung around the neck, etc. Of course, with the EasyDisk being so small, most people would just prefer to stuff it in a pocket or maybe even in a binder.
The product also comes with an installation diskette. This disk is used when the device is being installed on an operating system that is not USB 1.1-compliant; Windows 98 is an example. Just for your convenience, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP are all USB 1.1-compliant and will never require the use of the installation disk.
Finally, a user's manual is included, but provides very little information--not that the product requires any more instructions due to its ridiculously easy installation process.
Powering Up
Installation, as mentioned before, is just ridiculously easy. This thing is literally a plug-and-play device, since, when installed under Windows ME, 2000 or XP, no drivers are needed to be provided! Once the device is plugged in, Windows simply adds a drive letter, and access to the EasyDisk will be through that drive letter.
The performance of the EasyDisk was astonishing. I tested it by copying an MP3 file of about 6MB, and it took just under 10 seconds to copy! This speed, of course, is very much limited to the slow effective transfer speed of the USB interface, but is still very good. I mean, it's not as fast as a hard drive, but it's still great for a removable device.
Conclusion
With its main advantage being its compatibility with all current USB-equipped computers, it's pretty obvious that the EasyDisk has a lot of potential. This device, which is able to be taken anywhere because of its small size and light weight, can be great for mobile workers or even students looking to find an easy way to move transfer files from their home computer to the workplace or school. Although the 256MB version costs quite a lot, the other versions, from 16MB all the way up to 128MB should give the user a lot of choices as to how much they want to spend and how much storage space they need--of course, the 256MB version is still there for anyone who needs it. Although not the only USB-based removable solid-state disk drive in the industry, its great data transfer performance and instant, no-special-drivers-needed installation process makes EasyDisk a must-have for the multi-location-computer user.
Pros
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