The Cryptex USB flash drive seen on the right was made by a Russian man who goes by the alias of “Tarator”.  He deigned the USB flash drive on AutoCAD and then had it fabricated from metal, it is therefore a real working Cryptex as opposed to a USB shell concept.  It resembles a smaller version of the Cryptex used in the Dan Browne book and film “Da Vinci Code”, yet, we’d say that a USB stick was a much more rewarding prize than a piece of paper.  Forgetting the code could be quite annoying especially if your presentation is saved on it or you’re in a rush to have the information saved and you can’t get it opened.

These USB flash drives would certainly make an impact for any company if given out as a promotional gift with their own clues and passwords.  They would be especially suitable for a security company or a software data encryption company.  This flash drive design however, is not available to the public and it is currently unknown whether or not it will be taken to production.

Unfortunately USB2U don’t sell a Cryptex USB flash drive or even a puzzle flash drive however, we do offer a password protection service on the data pre-loaded onto logo USB memory sticks.

You can restrict access to any data you load onto your flash drives by protecting use of the flash drive with a password. We can set the password to anything you want during the manufacture process or we can leave it set to a standard “default” password that the user will be prompted to change on first use.  So how does it work? When a user accesses the USB Flash drive, they are presented with a padlock icon. When this is clicked the user is prompted to enter a password. It’s as simple and secure as that!

If this isn’t enough protection for the information that you want storing on your branded USB flash drives then we would suggest trying to replicate the Cryptex USB memory stick.  Good luck!

They may not have the glamour and glitz of the film industry but to us and to our customers the memory stick is a “hero product” that punches well about its weight and we felt now was the time to recognise its endeavours throughout the last 12 months.

The categories and awards are as follows:

Best Custom Flash Drive

This award is given to the company that has come up with the best creative design for a bespoke 3-D flash drive. The design had to be new, eye-catching, and play on the company name, logo or product. There was tough competition this year because of the huge demand for bespoke solutions but in our judgement the winner is: The Dolorex – The Pain Eraser Company: Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health

Best “All Rounder” Memory Stick

This award has been given to the Twister style memory stick because time and time again it delivers for our customers. Its relatively small form factor belies an edgy strength and a rare flexibility. It’s become incredibly popular because it has no cap to lose; it carries print very well and comes in any colour you want. The Twister is simply the best all rounder bar none and is a popular winner: The Twister

Best Pantone Matched Memory Stick

Throughout much of the last year we have been offering free pantone matching of the body shell of our most popular memory sticks to any colour from our customers logo. This is an excellent way to lift the printed stick from the ordinary into the extraordinary. Because of its popularity there was lots of competition in this category but the winner is: Parsley Media Pantone Match Twister

Best Stick and Box Combo

It not just about the memory stick but also how it’s presented that can often make the difference so this award is for the best-dressed flash drive. Not in a tuxedo but in a box and the winner is: Berry Systems Pantone Matched Twister & Magnetic Box

Best USB Credit Card

The beauty of these credit card shaped memory sticks is that they fit into any standard wallet alongside all your regular credit and debit cards but tucked inside them they have the capacity to carry tons of data. The winner of the best USB credit card is: The Microsoft Credit Card

Many clients are faced with the dilemma of whether they should add an autorun facility to their Branded USB Memory Sticks.

An autorun facility allows users to insert a Branded Memory Stick and for the computer to automatically run a programme e.g. a movie file.

The advantages of this facility is that it ensures the user is presented with the information the client wants them to see, without having to find the information themselves. This makes is a very intuitive process and ensures the information on the USB Memory Stick is delivered. However there are some hidden pitfalls:

• Autoruns will not work on Win 98 or 2000 operating systems – beware there are still many users out there with these systems. You will also need to ensure that the appropriate code is written into any autorun for it to work on Mac operating systems.
• Some corporate firewalls restrict autoruns, so the danger is that the end user will never see the data.
• Nuisance factor. If one of the objectives is to ensure that the USB Branded Memory Stick is a keepsake that the end user will access on a regular basis then its worth bearing in mind that every time the user wants to access or save a document they will have to run through the dataload programme. Fine for the first few times, but thereafter they may find this an irritation and relegate the memory stick deep into a draw!

There is a middle way, why not consider loading the data onto the Branded USB Memory Stick with an icon labelled ‘Click Here To Start’ and allow the user to access the data when they want.  This data can be protected so it would not be deleted, but overcomes may of the issues detailed above.

If this is not an option, then it is highly recommended to produce a pre-production sample of the autorun. In this way you or your client can test the autorun in the environment it would be used. You do not need to have the final data file to complete this exercise.

Another option would be to load the same data as a non-autorun file on the unprotected part of the Branded Memory stick. In this way, if the autorun fails to work, the user still has the option to select information manually.

There is no doubt that autoruns are a great method to deliver information, but ensure you and/or your client are aware of the pitfalls and try to build in a safety net, as once produced it is extremely difficult to reload the data without returning to the manufacturing plant, which is usually based in China.

View Tip 1. Here.

Sales of memory sticks that are either printed or embossed with a company logo or design are accelerating and demand for fully customised (bespoke shapes and designs) is really picking up.

A well-designed and printed memory stick does wonders to help promote your company, to develop your brand and to keep your company ahead of the competition. They’re also, as many companies are now finding out, a fantastic and cost effective way to distribute your sales literature, data sheets, pricing information and media files.

Popular uses for branded memory sticks include:

1. Give-aways at trade shows and exhibitions (but pre-loaded with sales brochures to help reduce the paper brochure print costs, transportation and storage).
2. Handouts at seminars and conferences (pre-loaded with the event details, speakers notes and slides and details of forthcoming events).
3. Press events. Fully customised usb flash drives are increasingly being used in preference to standard factory models at Press Events and Press Launches because they really do generate a “buzz” and help to get key messages across to the attending journalists. Of course pre-loading the custom sticks with the press releases, core company information, biographies of key staff and media files helps to ensure the journalists have all the key information at their fingertips is recommended.
4. Promotional give-aways. Everyone loves something for nothing but it helps if what you’re giving away is desirable and will be used by the recipient. Memory sticks certainly fit the bill here.
5. Staff events and briefings. Memory sticks are a popular way of disseminating key information out to employees particularly if there are lots of forms and details to distribute and you want to reduce the print and reproduction costs of these forms.
6. Visitor gifts – rather than a boring pencil, pen or T-Shirt lots of companies are now turning to branded memory sticks for visitor gifts. They are after all more “business like” and have a high-perceived value.

Given the growth in sales we’ve already seen in 2010 these examples must just be small snapshots of what printed USB flash drives are being used for. If you are interested in printed usb memory sticks or fully bespoke USB flash drives for your company then give us a call to explore the options.

Printing and reproducing your brand or logo correctly is critical. There’s no point spending a fortune designing and developing a brand only to them compromise it simply because the product you want to reproduce it on can’t support it.

But, the reality is that many standard style USB memory sticks are relatively small and the print area on the sticks can be even smaller. Small memory sticks are popular but not always the right solution for complex logos. Whilst some of these small sticks can support a full colour print process, squeezing your brand and any strapline onto the print area will, in some cases, mean its impossible to see/read the end result clearly.

There are several options to overcome this problem including using a Credit Card style memory stick. These are not really “memory sticks” per se but credit card shaped product that has a USB connector built into it with some on-board flash memory. The beauty of this product is that because its exactly the same size as a credit card it fits neatly into a wallet and provides lots of space (front and back) to print on. You can also use the latest full colour printing process techniques on these cards to achieve a very high-resolution reproduction of any complex design. But, credit cards are not to everyone’s taste.

If you have a complex logo and it’s a branded memory stick you want in the true sense of the term then you could consider “Slider” model. This memory stick is capless, it has an integral keying loop and it’s a little larger than much other memory sticks without being excessively large. But, the real beauty of this model is the very large print area onto which you can print.

This example shows the how complex graduated prints with lots of text still look fantastic when produced on the Slider model.

If you think the Slider memory stick might solve your memory stick challenge then give us a call and we’ll provide you with a personalise quote and we’ll even mock one up for you free of charge so you can see just how it will look.

In fact these incredibly useful gadgets can be used in many many ways including but not limited to:

• On-pack sales promotions
• Competition prizes
• Trade show “give-aways”
• Press Launches (and lunches)
• Product Launches
• Staff rewards and incentives
• Customer mailers
• Re-seller and partner fairs

The most popular style or shape of branded memory stick used for these activities tend to be “stick” shaped (not as in a stick from a tree but small, rectangular shaped flash “sticks”) but there are other options!

One of the key trends in 2010 is expected to be the move to a bespoke or truly custom shape that is unique to the customer using it. Examples would include custom USB disks in the shape of a car or truck to support the launch of a new vehicle or perhaps in the shape of a company logo or brand. Any 2-D or 3-D shape is now possible and bespoke memory sticks really do up the ante in terms of brand support, brand building and product recall.

But, custom memory sticks are not for everyone. If you are looking for something a little different, a little more sophisticated with the scope to support a complex logo or design then you might consider a branded credit card USB. These come in a variety of styles and types but they all adhere to the basic “form factor” of a credit card. Not only do they support a full colour, photo effect print but they can also be supplied in a complementary wallet or case. Costing just a little more than a standard branded memory stick they are certainly worthy of consideration particularly if your target audience is ABC1.

The small additional cost is worth it in terms of the visual impact and much greater perceived value. If you are interested then give us a ring or fill out the on-line enquiry form and we’ll get back to you with a tailored quotation. We also offer a free design and mock-up service to help you visualise the end product.

Branded Memory Sticks are typically used for events, promotions, staff giveaways and corporate events. You can also load your company data files or brochures onto the drives making them a great alternative to paper based options or CD’s.

At USB2U we have stock available which can be printed, loaded with your data and delivered before Christmas! All you need to do is place your order and provide the artwork and data by the 22nd December. We’ll email you with a proof and your branded USB’s will be printed and delivered within 48 hours!

There are many different models and capacities available such as the Twister, Harbour and Chic. Please call 01604 685040 or email trade@usb2u.co.uk and an Account Manager will discuss your options and provide a quotation.

…from all at USB2U

The classic twisters with are supplied with either a smooth plastic finished or a more tactile “rubberised” finish and if you’re ordering over 100 pieces we can even pantone match the body of the memory stick to any primary colour from your logo and we’ll do this at no extra cost to you!

But, despite its dominance there might be a new contender from the same stable on the horizon. The wooden twister has many of the key attributes of its metal/plastic counterpart but the silky varnished finish coupled with its eco-friendly pedigree might see it push the classic twister for dominance.

Its early days in the battle between the classic and wooden twister memory stick but watch this space!

If you are interested in either model give us a call or if its easier just complete our on-line enquiry form and we’ll get back to you in a flash!

Well here are the top 10 reasons for buying Branded USB Memory Sticks.

1. Branded USB Memory sticks are a unique way to get you or your client’s brand in front of an existing or potential customer.
2. Branded USB Memory sticks are a great way to deliver content. The data can be passive, so the user would need to click on the files, or interactive for a more immersive experience.
3. Branded USB Memory sticks are excellent ‘keep sakes’ and with a high probability that users will save their own information on them. Making the USB a valued tool that has a high intrinsic value.
4. The cost of USB Flash Memory has fallen dramatically over the past few years, so they have become a far more cost effective promotional item.
5. USB Branded memory sticks now come in over 100 different models or can be designed and built to order…..making them truly unique to you or your client.
6. The speed of delivery is now as little as 48hrs, which includes a logo print – so ideal for emergency use.
7. Branded Memory sticks can be ordered in as little as 25 units – so it can be a targeted campaign.
8. CD / DVDs are now seen as old hat, with Branded USB Memory sticks taking over as the media of choice for sending content.
9. The technology has improved making Branded USB highly robust and reliable.
10. Finally, there are now several professional providers of Branded USB Memory sticks in the UK, making the process of ordering very simple.

After all if you can load all of your sales material onto a memory stick you can offset your print and transportation cost(s) and these can be significant if you are, for example, exhibiting or running conferences overseas.

When you’re buying branded memory sticks there are a couple of size related issues to consider to make sure that you get a product that delivers for you particular activity or event:

1. Physical size: As in life not all USB memory sticks are born equal when it comes to size. A couple of years ago most memory sticks were pretty large with the average memory stick being around 7-9cm long and 2-3cm wide.These were (and still are) great if you need plenty of space to print you logo or message on but with the miniaturization of the core flash memory component there has been a comparative reduction in the size of the case or shell that the flash memory fits into. As a consequence the more popular memory sticks used for branding today tend to be the smaller models and styles. For example the ever-popular Twister (Swivel) Memory stick is 5cm long x 1.7cm wide and the new generation of “baby” twisters are a tiny 3cm X 1.5cm.Bearing in mind that the USB connector on the end of the branded memory stick is just over 1cm wide they can’t go much smaller and too small leaves little room to print you logo on!So, when choosing a memory stick consider carefully how your logo will look on it, don’t choose a model that’s too big and cumbersome and looks dated and bear in mind the bigger/older models can obscure other USB ports around them which then means you may need to consider supplying them with a USB cable. Similarly whilst the small, baby style of USB sticks look cute many of them are simply hopeless at carrying a brand and strap line and they are very easy to lose.
2. Memory size: The most popular choice for memory size at the moment is 1GB (this will store 250 music tracks, 1,000 pictures or tens of thousands of documents). A couple of years ago is was 128MB and if pricing trends over the last couple of months carry forward into 2010 then 2GB prices will be on a par with 1GB.The key to choosing the right memory size is make sure the user has enough space on the flash drive (after you have loaded any data yourself) to use for themselves. You don’t just want the memory stick to be plugged into a PC, any pre-loaded data taken off or viewed and then discarded. To get positive brand association and exposure you want the user to carry and use the memory stick and ideally use if for as long as possible. So, choose the most memory you can afford within your budget. If in any doubt talk through the options with your supplier.

When it comes buying branded memory sticks size is important so take your time and get it right.