Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate G3 64GB
Overview
Hardware: StorageWHAT WE LIKED:
Fast speeds; capless design; durable; large capacity; good priceWHAT WE DISLIKED:
No encryption; could block adjacent USB portsDiscuss in the Forum
Summary
Bigger is sometimes better, and ironically, smaller can be as well. As we’ve seen today, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds: higher storage capacity in a small form factor for a flash drive. Portability and durability are two essential qualities for a flash drive, but transfer speeds are the key. Fortunately the USB 3.0 interface boosts the speed potential by leaps and bound over USB 2.0, and if you have the need for speed then you really need to own a USB 3.0 flash drive, simple as that.
In terms of performance, the DataTraveler Ultimate G3 is fast, though not the best we’ve seen. In fact, the G3 is beaten by Kingston’s own HyperX flash drive, which is an absolute beast. That’s not to say this one is any sort of disappointment; far from it, as the G3 is still impressively quick and should satisfy most users’ needs to speeds transfers and large storage capacity. There is a caveat, of course: you need a motherboard that offers native USB 3.0. If you’re still limited to USB 2.0 ports on an older motherboard, then the speed potential here is a waste for the time being.
Keep in mind, though, there isn’t any sort of special software here; no encryption, no storage utilities. The G3 is a vanilla USB 3.0 flash drive, albeit a speedy one. Retailing for about $79 for the 64GB version, that’s a very good deal considering this G3 is faster than most other models on the market. You do pay a bit of a premium for that speed boost, but we think it’s a reasonable tradeoff in the bigger picture.
We remain impressed by Kingston’s flash drive lineup, and the DataTraveler Ultimate G3 64GB USB 3.0 is the latest to offer consumers an attractive combination of large capacity, speedy transfers, and good value.
