Corsair Flash PadLock 2GB

Performance:

While Linux users don't really need to worry about USB flash drive compatibility if using the Linux 2.4 or 2.6 kernel, Corsair proudly advertises their Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X compatibility on their product packaging. The Flash PadLock is compatible with these platforms due to the hardware-based locking mechanism. When trying out the Corsair Flash PadLock on Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn and Fedora 7 Moonshine we had run into no problems of any kind. It was very easy to set the Flash PadLock password and then once entering the pass code there were no problems mounting the flash drive and when the code was not entered or improperly entered, the drive would refuse to mount.

For Linux read results with the Corsair Flash PadLock we had done some brief testing with hdparm. On a Lenovo ThinkPad T60 with Fedora 7 and the Linux 2.6.22.4 kernel, the Flash PadLock had read about 19 MB/sec. In comparison, the Corsair Flash Voyager GT 8GB and Flash Survivor GT 8GB had both read at about 28~30 MB/sec. Granted, it's important to keep in mind that the Corsair Flash PadLock 2GB is designed for security in mind and not speed like the Flash Voyager and Flash Voyager GT series.

Conclusion:

While most just store small files for personal, work, or school on their flash drives, if your flash drive contains sensitive information the Corsair Flash PadLock is certainly worth at least investigating. Software encryption on flash drives can only go so far, but encrypting your files and storing them on the Flash PadLock should prove to be a secure method of storing and transferring your files. Corsair has done a phenomenal job creating the Flash PadLock and while this flash drive is not as durable as the Flash Voyager or Flash Survivor GT, it gets the job done of keeping mobile data secured. At the time of publishing the Corsair Flash PadLock 2GB is available for $40 USD.