Yes, it’s just a flash drive. But PNY’s new DUO LINK USB 3.2 Type-C dual flash drive makes it exciting to get excited again about portable storage solutions.
The transition to USB-C has taken time, especially with external devices. It’s slow and frustrating in some cases. No matter what I wanted to do, I needed an adapter or was forced to carry a bulky hub to ensure I had all the necessary ports, which, by the way, were all built into my previous laptop. But I get it. We want the new laptops lighter, smaller and faster, so something has to give.
When the transition to USB-C is complete, we will have more reliable devices with better and better data transfer and power rates. Compared to older USB versions, more pins inside the USB-C connection bring on better and faster results.
This brings me to the new PNY Type-C dual flash drives, built for use with computers and Android devices. Fingers crossed that the word on the street is accurate that iPhones might transition to USB-C later this year.
The new pocket-sized all-metal flash drive has a USB-C connector, enabling it to plug into any USB-C port adapter-free. It is approximately 1.875 -by-0,25-by-0.50 inches. It’s built with a USB-C connector, which folds inside the metal covering to protect it when not in use. There’s also a built-in hook to attach it to something for safekeeping.
Like any flash drive, it can assist in storing and moving any data, except now it’s a direct USB-C connection. PNY rates the new flash drive with a read speed up to 200 MB/s and a transfer speed up to 30 times faster than standard USB 2.0. It also worked for me in reverse, using a USB-C to USB-A adapter to connect it to a standard USB-A port.
They are available in 64 GB ($12.99), 128 GB ($19.99), and 256 GB ($29.99).
https://www.pny.com
Rolling Square, a startup company that wants to be the voice of tech minimalists, has some innovative products for smartphone use.
The 2.32-by-1.77-by-0.47-inch, 1.4-ounce Tau charger ($29.99) is referred to by Rolling Square as the smallest power bank in the world, with a 1400 mAh battery, which also functions as a keychain. Two integrated 2-inch cables are built into the charger, with a USB-C tip on one end and an Apple Lightning on the other.
Charging the Tau is also unique with the included proprietary magnetic charging dock. The dock can hang on the wall with the included bracket and hardware or sit on any flat surface. With keys attached, the Tau will connect to the charging dock and be ready for your next departure. A USB-C to USB-A cable is included to send power from your power source to the dock.
The inCharge charging cable ($29.99) is as original as I’ve seen. When it’s opened and expanded, the 5.625-inch magnetic cable has charging and data transfer connections for USB-C, USB-A, Micro-USB and Apple Lighting. This adds up to six different charging combinations for charging up to 100 watts and Apple Fast Charging up to 18 watts from a power source.
The Edge full kit ($69.99) is designed to improve the productivity of your workstation by holding your smartphone — and/or a video light for online chats — close to the main screen of your work device. The kit includes the Edge Mount, Edge Wireless Charger and Edge Light.
The Edge Mount is 4.5 inches long and has the thickness of just four credit cards. It’s the system’s backbone and has a 3M adhesive to attach to the back of laptops, tablets or desktop monitors. Once connected, a smartphone can be magnetically attached to the swiveling Edge Mount. And when there’s nothing attached, the mount slides out of the way.
Besides your smartphone, when the Edge Wireless charger is attached to its N52 magnets, it will be in full view while charging. For charging up to 15 watts, Rolling Square lists compatibility with iPhone MagSafe devices, iPhone 8 and above, and all Android devices that support wireless charging.
The 280 lumens Edge Light attaches to the mount to drastically improve the lighting quality of online meetings and video calls. The Edge Light and Edge Wireless charger includes USB-C cables to connect to a power source.
https://rollingsquare.com