What is this?
Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 - a new private branded DiskOnKey 2.0 - swiftly exchanges files with your PC at at 9Mb/s read & 7Mb/s write.
User Review(s)
"Fast. Small. Just Not Secure." I found the Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 512mb easy to set up--my corporate XP workstation recognized it quickly--and operate. The drive is fast and easy to carry with you.
The included synchronization and security software is a mixed bag, however. The sync software works, although I was hoping to have the option to update the device with newest files automatically.
The security software does secure your password adequately; however, be aware the raw disk is easily accessed using simple utilities. If you lose it, your data is vulnerable.
Lastly, the cap has a clip to link to your lanyard--which leaves you vulnerable to losing the device while keeping the cap! From Russ Miller, January 12, 2004
"It's . . . okay." Outside plastic case can be damaged easily. Rather large; feels like I have another pen in my pocket. The bundled synchro software is worse than a freeware I use. Still, the fastest usb key out there it seems. Given this knowledge, I might have gone for a Lexar pro and waited until smaller, faster ones came out. From Brian Doherty, December 31, 2003
"“My Precious" USB Flash Drive" For the benefit of readers, and any LOTR fans out there, I will try to avoid too many references to this device as “My Precious,” as new techie toys sometimes have that effect on me.
The Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 come in standard packaging. The box contains foam, the key, one of those strange necklace things that for some reason remind me of a propeller hat, and a CD with the management software. For the price, an extra USB patch cable would have been nice, but maybe the necklace thingy will prove useful.
The key itself looks like many other DiskOnKey (DOK) OEM products, that is, an M-sys with a different color case. This one is an opaque gray with silver case, and a Kingston Logo just like the pictures you see. There are two internal LEDs, green for 1.1 mode, and a nice “Mountain of Doom” red for 2.0 mode.
The Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 utilizes the latest M-sys technology, and is at this time one of the fastest keys on the market. In a completely unscientific speed test I copied a 116MB video file into the unprotected (PublicZone) partition. The results were: Copy to Key Approx. 16 Seconds, copy from key Approx. 12-13 seconds. A very decent speed. I only allocated a 100MB partition for protected space son had to cut the file size down to 62MB for testing. The results were Write to key Approx. 9 Secs., copy back from key Approx. 7 secs. You might wonder why the two tests? The reason is that the on-board 32-bit ARM processor does on-the-fly 128 bit PKI encryption/decryption when the transfer involves a move between protected and unprotected space.
OK, so what about the software you say. Well, the Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 comes with support for both Windows and Mac in the form of two programs. MyTraveler, is a nice little program that automates many of the day to day tasks. It opens when a key is inserted, and has a GUI that displays the current status and free space on the key. It is also used to setup and maintain folder synchronization for a combination of personal and custom folders. This is a nice feature for those that take the key on-the-road. When you insert the key, it checks the sync database and presents you with a list of files that are no longer synced, and solicits your direction for the actions you wish to take. This is nice for those situations where it wants to delete something from your main drive that was deleted from the key, as one option allows you to reverse the action by copying the original file back to the key. Synchronization is automatic for My favorites, and My Documents, and you can also create custom folder synchronization.
A word of caution when using these programs. They are installed into your personal area when using w2k or XP, as UsernameDocuments and SettingsApplication DataMy Traveler. This makes sense if you consider that different users may have access to the same machine. When you uninstall the software, the programs and sync configuration are not removed, and must be deleted manually.
MyTraveler lets you switch between protected and unprotected space (you can’t have both partitions open simultaneously), and activate the write protection feature. Unlike some other keys, the Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 has no external switch to turn write protect on and off. It must be done under program control, and is managed by the on-board processor. Other minor features of note are an eject button, that insures that all open files are closed before detaching the device, and a directory quick display button. Also note that the task bar icon has separate list of config options.
TravelSafe, is a program used to setup a protected partition. Be aware that doing so will erase and reformat the key. As part of the process you are asked to enter a password, a password hint, and define how much of the available space will be protected. At that point the key is reorganized as ordered. The encryption also involves an internal DOK-specific key, increases internal security. It’s save to say that if you forget your password, you can kiss that data good-by. Once again, this all handled by the on-board processor. No PC resources are used, and there is no way for any PC to access the encrypted area without the correct password.
These programs are essentially the same as the M-sys utilities, MyKey and KeySafe, but with a modified GUI. The M-sys programs also work on this DOK.
The next question many people ask will be, “But, can I boot from it?” The short answer is “Yes”. The long answer is that no support for booting is supplied with the product, and you must finger it out the hard way. Many will want to use the DOK as an admin tool for maintenance work. This is a workable thing, but you may have to experiment to find the combination of drivers for a DOS boot. This link provided me with the information necessary to boot from a DOS floppy, and recognize the DOK. http://www.computing.net/dos/wwwboard/forum/13679.html
Once you make the Public Partition Active, you merely need to copy the appropriate files to the root directory of the public area, find a PC that will allow you to boot from a USB HDD, and boom, you are there. My Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 currently boots win 98 ERD with a custom autoexec.bat that selects between Drive Image 2002, and Partition Magic 8.0. The first time I ran PM 8.0, it found a few Partition pointer errors which I let it correct, mainly to see if doing so would corrupt the DOK. It didn’t, and I then had access to the DOK, and all hard drives. A properly configured Drive Image boot directory will allow for workstation cloning from a network images server, so the DOK is a nice little thingy to have around.
During testing I made one call to the 800-number Tech Support line for Kingston. It wasn’t very satisfying, as the support folks were not familiar with the product. This is understandable, since this is a new product, and isn’t really manufactured by Kingston. Given the 5-year warrantee, and a 50/50 chance that Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 will live longer than that, I would say that this is a keeper. From MrMoke, October 29, 2003
We're currently upgrading our user review system; so we won't be accepting new reviews for now. DataTraveler 2.0 512MB Specs
Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, MacOS 9.1, MacOS X
Dimensions
3.86" x 0.99" x 0.72"
Capacity
512MB
Read performance Average substained rate
9MB/s
Write performance Average substained rate
7MB/s
Data protection method
TravelerSafe Partition security software
Software
--
Additional media compatibility
None
Accessories
Neck strap, beltclip, 6" USB extension cable
Extra function(s)
--
Material of casing
--
Power source
Bus-powered
Warranty
Five years
Extras Lost a USB cable? Get a replacement USB cable.
Running out of USB ports? Get an extra USB hub.
You may need a new USB card to achieve Hi-Speed USB speeds.
Confirm with our USB 2.0 FAQ if you have Hi-Speed USB on your PC.
Where to buy Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 512MB?
