Photos: Dongles and other smart-drive devices

Smart-drive technology, which uses flash-memory chips to store information, is finding its way into many consumer products.

By Bill Detwiler, Contributor July 20, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. PT

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USB dongles

M-Systems' 256MB smart drive lets users carry programs and personal preferences, launch software and access their data on any Windows XP or Windows 2000 PC. It was among smart-drive devices on display at an inaugural event sponsored by U3, a consortium of USB flash drive manufacturers.

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the iPod Shuffle

Smaller than a pack of gum, Apple Computer's iPod Shuffle, a flash-based music player, can hold about 240 songs.

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Sony flash-based Walkman

Sony's flash-based Walkman can store 256MB, 512MB or 1GB of data. A bit pricier than some competing flash players, the devices start at $90 for the 256MB player and run up to about $200.

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Memorex TravelDrive ID

With a built-in LCD, Memorex's latest USB flash drive shows you how much storage capacity is left. Dubbed the TravelDrive ID, the 512MB device will retail for $79.99. The 1GB and 2GB versions will sell for $119.99 and $199.99, respectively.

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