Freecom DataBar 8GB USB drive review

Will this suit your memory needs?

16 January 2008 13:00 GMT / By Stephen Patrick

If you need to carry data around with you or use your notebook on the move and want to backup files, then a USB memory key makes perfect sense.

This small, black and rather nondescript memory key sports 8GB of storage, which is more than enough for most people as it’ll readily hold 160 hours of music, as well as all your work files and folders.

With such an amount of storage on offer it pays to have security in place, so Freecom ships this key with Carry it Easy software, which password protects your data. Should you lose the key, it can even pass on your details but won’t allow the finder to access your files.

Carry it Easy has a simple interface that allows you to load programs such as Outlook direct from the key. It also offers No Trace Browsing, so all the data related to your online activity, such as Cookies, Cache and History are stored on the key and not the machine you used so can be safely deleted afterwards.

When it comes to using the key, it has a 7Mbps write and 8Mbps read speed, which translated in tests to copying 1GB of data in a little over two minutes, which is quick enough for most uses.

Verdict

Memory keys have become an everyday object and while the Freecom DataBar isn’t much to look at, we found it a versatile addition to the mobile user’s kit.

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Review Recap

Made by: Freecom
Price as reviewed: £39
The good: Small, good software selection
The bad: Not the fastest memory stick
Quick verdict: This rather nondescript memory stick is small and discreet and offers plenty of space for not much money. However, the best feature is the bundled software
Key specs: USB
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