Tech Question Flash Drives?

[Special K]

I'm looking to transfer files from my PC to my laptop and figured the easiest way would be by using a flash drive. If my PC is 3+ years old and running XP will I be able to transfer files using a flash drive to my newer laptop running Vista?

Checking on ebay they have all sorts of flash drives but I'm looking in the 2GB to 4GB range. Would something like this which is 8GB's work? 8GB USB 2.0 Flash

Any info would be great!

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

K, as long as your old drive has a USB port, you should have no problem. If you've got a lot of data to move, say 80 GB of porn, 30 GB of music, and 20 GB of escort jpgs, you may want to consider getting a regular external drive.

Another questions I'd ask is how do you normally back up your files? I keep a 100 mb hard drive in my desk and back up all my files fairly regularly.

 

[EagerBeaver]

I have a 2 GB Sony flash drive and recently in the aftermath of a computer problem with the desktop, I downloaded numerous documents that were created on Open Office on the Windows XP system on the desktop onto the flash drive, then inserted the flash drive into the USB port on the laptop which has a Windows Vista operating system. Interestingly, I was even able to reorganize my folders saved on the flash drive, and it automatically saves the reorganization on the flash drive. Then when you plug the flash drive back into the desktop, it will override what is still saved on the hard drive on the desk top, if you command it to do so.

But keep in mind I was only downloading and uploading documents created on MS Word which are in the same format on both operating systems anyway.

 

[wilko26]

Goes with one with U3 technology, you can run skype, webmail clients etc... direct from the device, you can also protect your drive with a password and have all data on the drive encrypted for more security in case you loose it...

 

[Special K]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the advice!! I think I'm going to go with G1's suggestion and get the Kingston.

 

[metoo4]

Or get a "reversed network cable" and plug the 2 PC together. Or if you have a hub/router, plug both PC into it with regular cables.

Once done with one of these 2 options, you create a shared drive on the old PC and bingo! You're in business! Firewall might need to be disabled on both PC in some instance while doing so but, you gain full access to the old drive and a transfer speed that isn't that bad, without size limitations.

 

[Turbodick]

Not really addressing the techical aspects, but get one that clips onto a key ring and is reversible into a protective covering. Much more convenient, and if it's convenient you'll use it all the time.