File under: Computer, eCost, J&R, TigerDirect, USB Flash Drives

We recently purchased a 2GB USB flash drive to backup some of our data. After enjoying the drive for a few days, we realized that there are quite a few options out there and prices (as low as $25) are making these products even more desirable.

After going through the inventory of several major hardware retailers, we have narrowed down to a selection of what we feel are the best values on the market today. We focused on 2GB drives because they are the largest size drive you can buy for under $50. There are great affordable 1GB drives, but the cost to move up from to 2GB is very small.

Samsung 2GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive
$24.99*
* $49.99-$25.00 rebate (expires on 9/30/06)
– Read: 20MB/s
– Write: 10MB/s
Transcend JetFlash 2GB USB Flash Drive
$25.99*
* 45.99-$20.00 rebate (expires on 9/08/06)
Patriot 2GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive
$34.94*
* $44.94-$10.00 rebate (expires 9/15/06)
– Application included for Security Partition
– Dimensions: 73mm x 7mm x 17mm
– Read: 8MB/s
– Write: 5MB/s
Lexar 2GB JumpDrive FireFly USB Flash Drive
$38.00*
* $59.00-$21.00 rebate (expires 9/16/06)
A-Data PD10 2GB USB Flash Drive
$39.99
– Cool rotary/folding design
SANDISK 2GB Cruzer Micro with U3 Technology
$39.99
* $59.99-$20.00 rebate (expires 9/15/06)
– Loaded with the following U3 programs: CruzerSync synchronization tool, SignupShield password manager, SKYPE voice over IP software, AVAST Virus scan
– Dimensions: 57.15mm x 7.94mm x 20.6mm
Corsair 2GB Flash Drive
$41.99*
* $49.99-$8.00 rebate (expires 9/17/06)
– Security application creates password-protected partition
– Read: 19MB/sec
– Write: 13MB/sec

If you want to suggest others, please contact us and we will update this list.