The exterior portion of the Kingston Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive is constructed from a hard
protective plastic, which allows for an extremely light unit. I was unable to obtain any information
regarding weather proofing. The Kingston logo has been embossed into the topside complete with the activity
LED. Measuring 77.4mm x 22.1mm x 10.1mm, the Kingston Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive takes on
a compact design that can be easily concealed within a shirt pocket. Alternately, the provided neck strap
can be used which includes a detachable section and key ring.
Click image for larger view
Data Traveler Elite software
While USB flash drives are extremely convenient, the small size and ease of use open up many possibilities
for being easily misplaced resulting in the loss of what was otherwise important or personal data. This
being a common concern, several similar flash drive units incorporate a variety of approaches to secure
your data should the drive be lost. In order to cater to this situation, the Kingston Data Traveler Elite
KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive features a two-layer security mechanism that uses a combination of user authentication
and hardware based 128-bit AES encryption. Through the Travel Safe software consumers are able to easily
designate a desired amount of Privacy Zone of the drive in which a password is created. The remaining space
is then issued as Public Zone. In order to gain access to the Privacy Zone, users must enter the required
password; data stored on this portion of the drive is both software protected and 128-bit AES encrypted.
A small utility entitled Data Travel alerts when the Kingston Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive
is inserted or removed, displays current usage statistics and also boasts some basic settings in the form
of folder synchronization. This is a great feature for users on the go.
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
Installation of the Kingston Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive is extremely straightforward and
all that is required is to simply insert the drive into any available USB port. Upon insertion, the embedded
LED provides a visual indication of either a USB 1.1 connection (red) or USB 2.0 connection (blue).
Rapid blinking indicates that data is being read/written from the drive and slower blinks indicate proper
connectivity. In order to test the Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive, I will be using the File
System Benchmark from Sisoft Sandra 2004. As demonstrated, the Kingston Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB
Drive achieved overall performance write results of 17.84MB/s; slightly under the advertised maximum of
24MB/s. I found the overall performance on both the PC and Mac platforms to be quite fast in comparison
to existing USB drives used. General operating temperatures were acceptable with the unit slightly warm
after prolonged usage.
Conclusion:
The Kingston Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive represents a high quality flash storage solution
with the convenience of USB and useful security features. The overall quality and build of the Kingston
Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive is excellent along with aesthetics to match. USB 1.1/2.0 connectivity
allows for cross platform compatibility that is crucial when working in multimedia environments. The
small size allows for the unit to be simply transported in a shirt or pants pocket. Visual indication
in the form of the activity LED displaying the USB connection level (1 or 2) eliminates any guesswork.
Power users will appreciate the large capacity of 1GB for a variety of data and media to be easily stored.
The integrated 128-bit AES encryption and software security feature allow a customizable password
protected private zone will appeal to users whom use the Kingston Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB
Drive for crucial data. Overall performance with a maximum rated transfer speed of 24 MB/sec read and
14 MB/sec write put the Kingston Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive as one currently fastest USB
drives available. The only negative aspect encountered during the review process is the lack of integrating
the cap into the unit in the form of a string or being able to attach to the bottom. Overall, I was very
impressed with the Kingston Data Traveler Elite KUSBDTE/1GB USB Drive and award MTB's Seal of Approval
with final score of 9 out of 10. If you have
any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the Kingston Technology
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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