Prices on USB flash drives have dropped dramatically over the past year. As recently as June 2004, the average 2GB drive cost $700. Now, you can easily get one for around $200. In order to distinguish themselves from the pack, many flash drive makers are adding functionality to their portable storage drives, either through hardware or software.
A number of flash drives can now replicate your desktop, files, and e-mail programs, automatically updating the data on the drive when you plug it into your USB port. These drives make business travel even easier, allowing the user to carry just the flash drive instead of a laptop. Other companies have installed minuscule fingerprint scanners that serve to protect the data on the drive. At least one company has combined a scanner with software that stores your usernames and passwords for up to 200 Web sites, allowing you to safely carry around that sensitive data without fearing that someone else can access it.
Other companies have gone a different route altogether, repackaging their flash chips in other handy devices that look nothing like flash drives. A seemingly simple pen does double duty as a writing implement and a data storage device. A wristwatch can not only tell you that you're late to your presentation, but can store your PowerPoint presentation for you.
Much like combination PDA/phone/MP3 players, these convergence flash drives let you do more, while carrying less.
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