There's no floppy disk in this here 'puter!

Ok, Image via Wikipediaso by now you realize there's no floppy disk, no easy way to transport your files from the computer at the library to the computer at work. How are you going to save the files from the public computer you borrowed to write up some important notes to some place where you feel safe leaving them? Don't sweat it because you have options.

(Besides, do you know how big a laptop would have to be to fit a floppy disc? Yeah, I remember too!)

Maybe you forgot to bring your external hard drive. Y'know the one, the 10lb monster with the AC adapter and the tinny fan buzzing your ear to keep the hard drive from getting too hot. Maybe you ran out of DVD write-ables,Image via Wikipedia or you just want to have an easier way to store info on the go in your pocket.

If you are already stuck at the library reading this, and can't go to your local retailer, just e-mail yourself the file. It's the fastest way to get things around, privately to yourself. With all the cons against this, consider something a little more easy and elegant.

Your solution? It's a little storage key that can fit on your key chain, or in the front miniature pocket-in-a-pocket in your jeans, or wherever you think you want to hide it. It's goes by many names. Because it may look like a thumb, be the size of a thumb, or get pulled out of your computer with a thumb (sure beats using your teeth.) The name possibilities don't matter, they just get confusing, but it's the same thing. Yes, it's a drive, though it's called a stick, as in a small stack of chewing gum, when they used to make them stick-sized. Jump drive, thumb stick, memory drive, sandisk, etc. Rose by any another name would still smell as sweet. It's a USB storage device, no moving parts, and very reliable.

Either name, the USB drive plugs directly into your computer's USB port. From there, in today's fancy computers, it's magic. The computer knows you plugged it in and installs the software to use it, and even sometimes automatically pops up your portable drive's contents for view.

Some good bews:

Image via Wikipedia1.) Prices are dropping. (As cheap as a few dollar bills. Cheaper online if you can get free shipping.)
2.) Storage is increasing. As of this writing, you can get a 16GB drive for the price of a movie.
3.) Speed is increasing. Transfers large files like videos in seconds.

4.) Keeps getting smaller and easier to carry. Retractable designs prevent you from losing caps.
5.) Some are waterproof to serious depths and shock-proof, covered in Titanium.
Image via Wikipedia
It's rewritable, not one-time use. This means it's well worth the price and will often be a great backup for very important files.

If you want this tool to be more fun, you can even get it as your favorite character or car.