Normally, something as simple as a USB key drive wouldn’t really warrant a review.  You plug it in, transfer stuff around, and unplug it.  No big deal.  There are a few features on Kingston’s new DataTraveler Secure – Privacy Edition (DTSP) that warrant a closer look, especially for those in large corporate environments or want complete data security.

Ranging from around $50 (the 512MB version) to $350 (the 8GB version reviewed here), the Kingston DTSP sports built-in security and encryption features that are demanded from larger companies.  Additionally, many large companies (the one where my regular job is, for example) maintain fairly rigid controls over the desktops they support, meaning I cannot install anything without it going through software management, a process that can take three or more months. 

Kingston’s latest USB key drive solves both issues.  The drive is locked by a password (which is forced to be a rather complex password, and the data is encrypted with 256-bit encryption on the fly.  Additionally, plugging the drive in to any USB port will automatically run the password checking and encryption in hardware, as in there is no software to install.  Most USB key drives offer some level of password protection, but they require software to be installed on every machine where they are plugged in; Kingston’s latest doesn’t, which is a godsend for those with such stringent requirements.

Because that’s not enough, the drive is also waterproof to about 3-4 feet of water, meaning that if you wear it on a lanyard around your neck (and yes, I have this geeklace), you don’t have to worry about it being hit by a stream of water from the restroom sink.  While I wouldn’t recommend showering or swimming with this thing around your neck, the fact that it can handle accidental spills, dips, and splashes makes this the Panasonic Toughbook of USB key drives.

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Article Index
Kingston 8GB DTSP USB Drive
Software and Interface
Conclusion