18 April 2007
Kingston has kindly provided us with a 1GB review model of its new DataTraveler ReadyFlash USB thumb drive (DTR/1GBFE). Released in March 2007, Kingston’s ReadyFlash Series has been designed and tested for ReadyBoost “based on precise performance specifications outlined by Microsoft”. (Ed - is it a paradox to say something is precise and outlined?) We put this claim to the test to see what benefits arise from being ‘Enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost’.
Introduction and Packaging
The thumb drive is bundled with documentation and a keyring cord. Windows 98 users will need to visit Kingston’s website to download drivers, which do not appear to be available yet. On first impression, we noted the following features:
- Enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost;
- Works with Vista, XP, 2000 SP3, Mac OS (10.X+) and Linux (2.4+);
- Flashing blue LED when in use;
- Detachable cap;
- Grooved plastic strip on each side for better grip;
- Dimensions: 6.77cm x 2.08 cm x 0.9 cm;
- Operating temperature: 0 Celcius to 60 Celcius;
- Storage temperature: -20 Celcius to 85 Celcius;
- Assembled in China; and
- 5 year warranty;
Build Quality
The ReadyFlash is extremely compact and its size is approximately the width of a 5 cent Australian coin, and the length of four 5 cent Australian coins. Its casing is made from hard plastic with a metallic finish, and its simple design has a modest but elegant look.
Kingston does not make any claims in respect of the ReadyFlash’s durability, water resistance or maximum crushing weight. Squeezing the thumb drive revealed slight flex in the case material, suggesting that it has not designed to be crush resistant.
We think that the ReadyFlash has good build quality. But it is not super-durable, and you should think twice before tossing it in the main compartment of your bag where it might be crushed, bent or doused with water.
Performance
Our test bench was an ASUS F3JP-AP002P notebook. Its relevant specifications are: Core2 Duo T5500 1.66GHz, 1GB DDR2 RAM and 5400 RPM SATA HD.
We decided to obtain ReadyBoost-related benchmarks straight from the horse’s mouth. We asked Windows Assessment Tool (WinSat), the Vista component that initially tests a flash memory device’s compatibility with ReadyBoost.
| - ReadyBoost-related Results (WinSat) - | |
|---|---|
| TEST | Speed |
| 4K Random Read | 6.23 MB/s (6,379 KB/s) |
| 512K Random Write | 11.13 MB/s (11,397 KB/s) |
| 512K Sequential Write | 16.05 MB/s (16,435 KB/s) |
The reported Random Read speed placed the ReadyFlash in the Top 5 amongst the devices reported by users to our Flash Memory Speed List article. This result is a significant improvement over the older Kingston 1GB DataTraveler U3 which has a reported Random Read speed of 5.36 MB/s (5,506 KB/s). As discussed in the Flash Memory Speed List article, Tech Crater feels that the Random Read speed is the most important attribute when it comes to ReadyBoost.
We then conducted some ‘real world’ benchmark tests which showed that the ReadyFlash has good performance for use as a storage device.
| - Real World Results (SiSoftware Sandra XI) - | |
|---|---|
| TEST | Speed |
| 2MB Sequential Read | 17.56 MB/s (17,988 KB/s) |
| 2MB Sequential Write | 2.46 MB/s (2,525 KB/s) |
| 64MB Sequential Read | 18.13 MB/s (18,569 KB/s) |
| 64MB Sequential Write | 8.53 MB/s (8,738 KB/s) |
A-DATA 1GB MyFlash PD7 VS. Kingston 1GB DataTraveler ReadyFlash
We put Kingston’s product face-to-face with the A-DATA 1GB MyFlash PD7, one of the world’s fastest flash devices (also designed for ReadyBoost). The benchmark we used was ATTO Disk Benchmark which reports sequential read and write speeds. A-DATA’s results were obtained from techPowerUp!. Please note that the two graphs do not have the same scale so it is imperative to refer to the numbers.
The Kingston showed itself to be the best performer in write speed, blazing away at 18,576 KB/s. On the other hand, the A-DATA revealed a max read speed of 31,406 KB/s as compared to Kingston’s 19,418 KB/s. In our view, both are equally matched for use as a regular storage device, with the A-DATA excelling in read speeds, and the Kingston excelling in write speeds.
The sequential speeds reported by ATTO Disk Benchmark above mean very little to ReadyBoost. Random Read speeds reported by Vista for the Kingston and the A-DATA have been very similar. We feel that both are superb products that easily satisfy the minimum requirements for ReadyBoost.
Final Impact
We strongly recommend the DataTraveler ReadyFlash for use as a storage drive, and also for enhancing the performance of your system with ReadyBoost. It is reasonably priced for a compact, high performance thumb drive. We found that its pricing is almost identical to the A-DATA 1GB MyFlash PD7, which we consider as its closest competitor, as follows:
| - Approx Pricing from Kingston and A-DATA - | |
|---|---|
| Product | Price inc GST (AUD) |
| Kingston 1GB DataTraveler ReadyFlash | $27.29 |
| A-DATA 1GB MyFlash PD7 | $27.38 |
| Kingston 2GB DataTraveler ReadyFlash | $49.80 |
| A-DATA 2GB MyFlash PD7 | $48.72 |
The DataTraveler ReadyFlash would be even more attractive if it proves itself to be a rugged and resilient product (untested in this review), and if Kingston upgrades the 5 year warranty to a lifetime warranty (provided by A-DATA for the MyFlash PD7).
About Kingston
Kingston Technology Company, Inc, is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Kingston operates manufacturing facilities in California, Taiwan, China and Malaysia.
Notes
*Benchmarks on the A-DATA 1GB MyFlash PD7 were performed by a third party on a different PC, and this may affect the comparison of products in this review.
*Special thanks to S Chiu of Kingston and to The Red Agency Pty Ltd, PR, for providing the review model.
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