USB Flash Drives

USB flash drives are portable and easy-to-use data storage devices. They're compatible with desktop computers and laptop computers as well as a broad range of game consoles and media devices. Use them to transfer data between systems, share files with friends and colleagues or create backups of critical information. Staples offers a complete selection of high-capacity thumb drives, including popular brands such as Lexar, PNY, Samsung, SanDisk and Verbatim.

A USB Thumb Drive Offers Reliable Storage
These products use flash memory chips, a stable, high-density storage medium, to hold your data. They pack a huge amount of information into a compact form factor. Most thumb drives are less than 2 inches long and easily fit in a pocket, laptop bag or purse. Models with built-in covers protect physical connectors from damage, and select products feature rugged silicon and metal shells that enhance heat and water resistance.

USB Thumb Drives Are a Simple Storage Solution
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a standard that defines both communication protocols and physical connections for data transfer. Using thumb drives based on this standard ensures they work with a broad range of devices, making it simple to show digital pictures on a USB-enabled television, transfer files between Apple and Microsoft computers or use your saved game on a friend's gaming console. These devices also offer plug-and-play compatibility with most operating systems and require no additional software to access the storage they provide.

How Much Storage Space Do USB Flash Drives Have?
Drive capacity varies considerably, depending on the product chosen. An 8GB drive offers plenty of space for personal files or class notes while mid-sized 64 to 128GB models are ideal for storing photos or music. The largest drives hold 512GB or more, meeting the storage demands of computer power users.

Are USB Flash Drives Secure?
In addition to providing reliable storage for information, many of these products come with security software that protects your personal data if you lose your device. The software secures files with 128-bit AES encryption and requires a password to unlock the stored information. It also features a drag-and-drop user interface that simplifies transferring and securing your data.

What's the Difference Between 2.0 and 3.0 USB?
The USB standard has evolved as computers and portable devices have gotten faster. Both USB 2.0 and 3.0 drives have the same physical connector and are interoperable. Using a USB 3.0 computer connection with a 3.0 flash drive allows faster transfer speeds.

What Is a USB Type-C Connector?
Modern devices are thinner and lighter, and the Type-C connector is a plug format designed to work with these products. In addition to being smaller than a standard USB plug, Type-C connectors are reversible, so they're easier to use. Some USB flash drives include both a traditional plug and a Type-C connector. These products are ideal for transferring files between computers and portable devices such as smartphones or tablets.

Thumb drives combine a convenient physical format with high-density data storage. They're a simple and practical way to exchange files, music and photos or back up critical data. Explore the array of USB storage products available at Staples and find a portable data solution to meet any home or business need.