Flash drives

[Scott Douglas]

I'm in the market for a new flash drive to keep the family records on in our safe deposit box.
My question to the collective group is: Are all flash drives created equal when it comes to long term storage?

What do you all say?
Thanks for any and all input.

[A930Rocket]

Someone mentioned flash drives as a means of storage awhile back. I'd back them on several flash drives to give piece of mind.

[stomachmonkey]

Considering how cheap they are no reason to not use several.

[azasadny]

Get the Ironkey...

[masraum]

I assume your question is directed more towards data storage and less towards the ruggedness of the drive itself which seems less important since the thing should just be sitting in a drawer.

If that's the case, then I'd have 2 copies, possibly kept in 2 different locations. You may also want to consider burning to a CD or DVD as a method of backup. Maybe a CD/DVD and a flash drive?

As far as ruggedness, there are some options out there these days that seem to fit the "extreme" bill.

I've got a buddy at work that's got one of these. Not much in the way of ruggedness specs other than saying 1500G and waterproof to 200ft, but they sure look the part.



Here's the Lacie "XtremKey", remember they hired Porsche to design a hard drive for them.


Some info from LaCie XtremKey – Most Rugged & Attractive USB Flash Drive Yet?

So let’s summarise that for you then. The New Lacie XtremKey can:

* Withstand a downward pressure of up to 10-tons
* Withstand temperatures of +200°C and -50°C
* Remain waterproof down to 100 metres
* Remain in tact after a 5 metre fall

In my short search of the Internet, I was not able to find anyone that had any sort of data integrity guaranty on a usb flash drive. It's not really that surprising. I don't expect you to have a problem, but it would be nice for this purpose. I can tell you that I have washed a flash drive in the wash, and not found it until after it had been dried, and it still works. I'd just get one (or a couple) from a reputable manufacturer.

[masraum]

You may also want to read this

The Practical Archivist: Flash drives are NOT for long term storage

or this

What is the best way to store photographs electronically, for archival purposes? See details for more inf

[Scott Douglas]

Thanks guys.
I ordered a package of four and will keep dup's at home and in the safe deposit box for now.

[HardDrive]

I thought this was about having your wife show truckers her tatas out the window as you go by going 120mph.