Flash Drives

CES

Save Mimobot Han Solo From His Carbonite Carrying Case!

Move aside, Princess Leia!

Move aside, Princess Leia! Now you can be the hero responsible for freeing Han Solo of his frozen carbonite entrapment. Mimoco is bringing back their pint-sized version of the famous Empire Strikes Back scene.

Round out your Mimobot flash drive collection with the Han Solo Mimobot hidden within a molded carbonite carrying case key chain. The drive, complete with Han's typical smug expression, is for sale in 4GB ($30), 8GB ($40), and 16GB ($50) capacities.

Tech Shopping

USB Bag Charm Keeps Important Docs Close at Hand

There's a few reasons I love this Studded USB Bag Charm ($45): One, you can stuff 2GB worth of documents, music, and photo files for easy transportation.

There's a few reasons I love this Studded USB Bag Charm ($45): One, you can stuff 2GB worth of documents, music, and photo files for easy transportation. Two, you wouldn't know it was a flash drive even if you studied it, which makes it great for toting sensitive documents on the go.

Sensitive documents you say? Here's an example: clip this on your leather messenger bag or keychain when you're traveling abroad, and keep a copy of your passport, itinerary, hotel information, credit cards, and emergency contacts on you at all times — just in case you lose your luggage (or worse, it gets stolen). The clip blends in well enough not to stand out, and you won't forget it in your hotel room if it's attached to your day bag. And let's face it — this is probably one of the most stylish, portable flash drives you've ever seen, so you should grab it either way.

Tech Shopping

Geek Tip: Get an External Hard Drive Before Heading Back to School

You should know by now how important backing up data can be.

You should know by now how important backing up data can be. This is especially true when you're heading off to school or moving to a new place. Not only can your external hard drive act as a backup for all your school work, term papers, exam notes, and the like, but it can be a lifesaver if something ever happens to your laptop.

Dorm parties and continual transportation to and from class can leave your machine vulnerable to theft and accidents. You can back up your important docs, music, and photos to something like this LaCie Rikiki Go ($90-$150) external drive, which can hold up to 500GB or 1TB of data, comes with an integrated USB cable, has a sturdy and rugged aluminum exterior. Plus, it's small enough to store safely in the tiniest of living quarters and not stick out like a sore thumb. But if you're short on space (or cash), there are a few other ways you can back up and store your important data. Find out how after the break.

Shopping

Never Lose Your Flash Drive Again: 5 Portable Options

According to new research, over 17,000 USB flash drives were left behind at laundromats and dry cleaners last year.
USB Flash Drive Keyrings and Wristbands

According to new research, over 17,000 USB flash drives were left behind at laundromats and dry cleaners last year. While I definitely promote the idea of backing up your important files on an external drive of some sort, leaving them lofting about in the hands of strangers (or destroyed in the washing machine) isn't exactly what I had in mind. Want to keep your important data with you, but are afraid your forgetful bug will strike at a most inopportune moment? Check out these flash drives that will stay with you wherever you go.

Editor's Pick

Yet Another Reason to Back Up Your Data: You Could Lose the Cure For Cancer

As many times as I harp on my friends, family, and you readers at large to back up your data, there's always another story popping up about people that fail to do so, and lose something major.

As many times as I harp on my friends, family, and you readers at large to back up your data, there's always another story popping up about people that fail to do so, and lose something major. This time? It could be the cure for cancer.

A university researcher named Sook Shin recently had her laptop stolen. This wouldn't have been too big of a deal if it was just any random computer used for surfing the web, but Sook's computer was used heavily for research purposes and could have contained a possible cure for prostate cancer. Unfortunately for the male population, she didn't back up her data. What's worse, her laptop was stolen out of her car where she had a laptop bag lying on the seat in plain sight. Sigh. All kinds of lessons can be learned here. Get some tips on how, when, and why you should back up your computer's data (and keep your laptop outta sight) after the break.

MP3 player

These MP3 Players Are Cute and Stylish

I recently came across one of these Mugo players ($50, includes headphones) recently in Los Angeles Magazine, and loved the players' simple character shape (no cords required: the flash players use a USB connection that is visible when you take off their "feet," and all controls are on their faces).

I recently came across one of these Mugo players ($50, includes headphones) recently in Los Angeles Magazine, and loved the players' simple character shape (no cords required: the flash players use a USB connection that is visible when you take off their "feet," and all controls are on their faces). It's in the eclectic designs where things get complicated, but in a good way. The company's "Artist Series 1" line includes designs by international artists; each has a unique personality, including this one, named Raindrop Girl. But if none of these quite fit your style, try one of the blank black or white versions so you can add your own art. Check out more of these cute and simple 2GB MP3 players in the gallery below!

Apple

Flash Memory vs. Hard Disk Drives: What's the Difference?

The oohs and ahhs you're hearing over the new MacBook Air aren't just about its looks — gadget geeks are also talking about what's inside.

The oohs and ahhs you're hearing over the new MacBook Air aren't just about its looks — gadget geeks are also talking about what's inside. Or more appropriately, what's not. The new MacBook Air comes stocked with a flash memory drive instead of the familiar disk drive.

But what's the big deal, and what kind of a difference does a flash drive make? Find out when you read more.

Geek gear

Getting Hungry: Gadgets That Look Like Food

Warning — this gallery may send you into a feeding frenzy!
Gadgets That Look Like Food

Warning — this gallery may send you into a feeding frenzy! These gadgets were made to look like your favorite snacks and delicious meals but thankfully won't cost you your favorite skinny jeans, since they're all gadgets, gadget cases, or yummy-looking accessories (no calories included). Think you can get a handle on your willpower long enough to take a gander? Find out in this slideshow!

Shopping

5 USB Drives That Look Anything but Techy

One thing I love about being tech obsessed are all of the cool accessories and gadgets available.
Top 5 Creative USB Drives

One thing I love about being tech obsessed are all of the cool accessories and gadgets available. Even though some of these extras cost way more than my purse allows, the small stuff keeps me pretty satisfied. USB drives are definitely a way to add to your tech arsenal without breaking the bank. And with so many cool and creative drives available — like these tree USB drives from Guido Ooms — you don't have to be boring either. Keep reading to see even more creative and unique USB drives.

USB

Macworld 2010: USB Drives That Come in Cute Little Packages

I had no idea I'd be so infatuated with USB drives until I stumbled upon the Bone Collection at Macworld.

I had no idea I'd be so infatuated with USB drives until I stumbled upon the Bone Collection at Macworld. These 2GB ($20) and 4GB ($30) USB drives come costumed as astronauts, iPhones, penguins, dolphins, dinosaurs, you name it, for your storage needs. I obviously spent a lot of time at the Bone booth this year, as I'm also loving their sporty iPod and iPhone armbands. You can pick up your own cutie-patootie USB drive on Xtreme Geek, you'll just have to decide on which one you want the most! They're all so adorable!