Lego Custom USB Memory Stick

Searching ‘cool USB drive’ on Google Images is not the most effective way of keeping up to date with new USB flash drive news but can certainly be an entertaining 5 minutes looking at some wacky things that people have come up with.  Nintendo Wii remote controls, Lego bricks, wine corks, cars, clothes pegs, vegetables and figurines are a small number of the shells that people have made to case their USB flash drive in.  We think that these flash drives are certainly cool and deserve some kudos, some of them can even make you laugh or have you stare in amazement at the level of attention and detail.  These novelty drives, although extremely imaginative, seem also very impractical.

One of the greatest benefits of USB flash drives is that they are portable and can be stored with a large amount of data for their size (up to 256GB for one specific flash drive).  It has to be asked how often some of these novelty USB drives would be used for what they were made for, or how much they would sit on a desk as an ornament.  I’m sure many of us have had the situation where our USB flash drive fit into our laptop or the back of a computer tower because they pack the USB slots so close together and our flash drive is a little too bulky to fit between the leads and existing USB connectors.

A Selection of Our Custom USBs

We also sell a variety of novelty branded USB flash drives disguising themselves as other things.  Although in most cases our Promotional USB memory sticks are not as bizarre as some that can be found on Google but fortunately, they are much more functional.  Take, for example our USB mini people which can be customised to our customers requirements.  Our USB pill drive, not surprisingly resembles a pill, the credit card range are almost exactly the same size as the real thing and our USB key drive disguises itself nicely on a key ring.  We sell many more in our standard range of Logo USB memory sticks; metal and plastic USB bottle, USB pen range, USB bottle opener, the list continues.  All of these drives are easily portable and extremely functional.  If however, a custom USB flash drive really is what you are looking for then we have just the thing for you.

We can cater for your custom USB needs by customising the shape, colour, size, almost everything about the USB flash drive.  Contact us via telephone, email or via our quote form so we can work with you to produce your perfect custom USB and who knows, maybe your USB will be seen in our next search for ‘cool USB drives’ on Google Images.

The beauty of custom USB memory sticks is that they can be produced it a shape or design that is either a facsimile of your brand or logo or in a shape that represents the product or service you are promoting.  For example if you are an automotive company and you want to promote the launch of a new model to your dealership or existing customers then you could get a custom memory stick manufactured in the shape of the new car. This in turn can be attached to a branded keying and the custom memory stick can be pre-loaded with all of the sales data sheets, performance reviews and media files showing off the car.

Similarly if you’re a pharmaceutical company and you have a new drug to announce/launch then you could commission a custom memory stick in the shape of the drug and distribute these at the press launch and any subsequent conferences and seminars. Again the on-board flash memory can be pre-loaded with data sheets on the product, its target market, pricing, availability and any supporting presentation files or media files.

With custom memory sticks the limitations are really only defined b y your imagination. Historically the price of a custom memory sticks was a limiting factor because the factories that produce then were reluctant to accept small runs of less than 500 pieces and even when they did the set up costs were horrendous. But, in 2009 as competition for business increased and manufacturing and set up processes improved the barriers to entry reduced dramatically.  Today the price of a custom memory stick is on a par with a standard printed memory stick and in most cases the factories are now absorbing the origination and mould costs themselves.  It’s also possible to get small runs of 100+ custom memory sticks produced for only marginally more than a standard printed stick.

The winner from these changes during 2009 was the end customer, particularly smaller companies that wanted a relatively small quantity of memory sticks. The only thing to bear in mind when considering custom memory sticks is a slightly longer lead time. Because the factories will have to produce a mould and physical sample the lead time extends from a typical 10 days to 21 days so plan ahead.

Custom memory sticks deliver a real “wow” factor and done well they can create a “viral” type of buzz as word goes around about the sticks. The visual impact coupled with the functionality ensures a much greater likelihood of any marketing or advertising messages getting across to target audience and just as importantly for that message to be repeated over and over again with the continued use of the custom memory stick.

During 2009 here at USB2U we saw a huge increase in the demand for custom USB memory sticks from a diverse range of clients and we expect this trend to continue into 2010. As experts in the field we are able to offer you a free consultation service to talk you through the art of the possible, to share with you the range of materials and moulding options and to work up designs for the factory to manufacture from – this is a free consultation and design service with no commitment. If you are considering a bespoke or custom USB memory stick in 2010 give us a call. We’d love to hear from you and to work with you on your project.

Custom USB Memory sticks are Memory Sticks that are manufactured in a 2-D or 3-D shape to match your product or

Custom USB Car

brand characteristics. Think of say a memory stick in the shape of a car to support the launch of a new model – not just any old car shape but a proper 3-D representation of the car down to the smallest of detail.

With the advances in technology the USB factories can now supply pretty much anything and they can do so at a fraction of the cost from a couple of years ago. The challenge is more to do with the idea or concept to support any initiative rather than can the shape be moulded and produced.

There are plenty of excellent examples of custom USB memory sticks around including USB Batteries, USB Erasers, USB Wine Bottles, USB Beer Bottles, USB Explosive Signs, USB Guitars and so on.

When these custom USB sticks are handed out at an event they create a frisson that can almost be felt. It would be easy to over state the impact but whilst people are now used to getting standard branded memory sticks a custom USB memory stick is still a little different and they do raise the excitement levels.

Explosive Custom USB Sticks

So if you have some exciting news then extend that passion into the vehicle you use to deliver the message. A press release handed out on an A4 sheet of paper no matter how you dress it up simple won’t deliver the same “wow” as a custom USB memory stick loaded up with your company or product launch material, images, presentations etc.

Custom USB memory sticks also have a life beyond the event they are designed for. The recipient of the sticks is typically keen to “show off” the stick and this in itself creates a viral type of advertising. Not only this but because they can be used to store and transport data just like any standard USB memory stick they will get used and through usage the brand on the ship will continue to get promoted.

There are plenty of companies offering branded USB memory sticks but far fewer with real experience in the delivery of custom memory sticks. USB2U in the UK is one such company that can be relied on to deliver against the most challenging of requests.

Custom USB Guitar - Disney

As the Press Officer or PR Manager you’ll already be well versed at “keeping lots of plates spinning” and ensuring that your speakers are confirmed, well briefed and “on-message”. But typically you’ll also have responsibility for selecting and securing the venue, setting up the room, getting the right audience confirmed and dealing with the catering and drinks.

The content being delivered might be the responsibility of your colleagues in the Executive Team, Product Teams or Marketing Departments but co-ordinating these individuals and teams can be a challenge. Someone has to take ownership of the overall theme and messages and to make sure Q & A’s are agreed in advance. Often these events can make or break companies or at the very least ensure the success of a new product(s). It’s an overused phrase but “failure is not an option”.

Custom USB Eraser

Simple things like ensuring the invited audience and journalists have copies of the speaker’s notes, slides and biographies are critical. Whether these are handed out in printed form or electronically often depends on what’s being said and to whom but, increasingly USB Memory Sticks are being used to deliver the content in a format that is convenient, lightweight and portable.

Rather than just using a standard USB memory stick an increasing number of companies are using fully customised USB memory sticks as an integral part of their event. Custom USB sticks manufactured in the shape of the product being launched or to represent the company’s brand or logo really do help to ensure that the messages last in a tangible form beyond the event. If you can send your audience away informed, happy, well fed and with easy access to all the key data, messages, product sheets etc. on a handy, lightweight and portable custom USB stick then it should be a job well done.

So whilst content is undoubtedly king and no-one is for a minute suggesting a custom USB memory stick can make up for a poorly thought out or poorly delivered press event or product launch they can add a little bit of a “wow” factor when done well and they provide a talking point beyond the event that is rarely achieved with paper brochures or photocopied versions of PowerPoint slides.

If you use the memory stick at work or college, it may be bought from the same source as others which means that it may be easy to get the memory sticks mixed up with other peoples. This may be a small inconvenience but it could have disastrous effects if the information contained within the stick was important. This is where using custom memory sticks is really useful as it should minimise the chances of mistaking someone else’s stick for your own. Being able to identify your own memory stick quickly and easily should ensure that nothing bad happens when you need things to do smoothly.

It can be seen that a busy office or college will have a lot of people looking to pass information amongst themselves and may in fact need a number of memory sticks to contain all of the data. By using custom memory sticks, the task of naming and storing the proper data together should become easier as relevant titles could be apportioned to each stick. Having the name of the project, group or data type actually emblazoned across the memory stick should mean that it won’t fall off or be scratched away which should make it easier for everyone to know exactly what they are using. In a busy office, it can be easy to pick up the wrong thing in haste but this system should give everyone a better chance of finding the wrong stick to use.

It is no surprise that every person and company is considering the cost and budgetary effects of each product nowadays and the custom memory sticks is no different.  However, the benefit comes from the fact that these products are available in a cheap manner which provides fantastic value for money. Given the time and effort, not to mention safety security that having the name of each memory stick carefully laid out on it should ensure that the custom memory sticks pays for itself in no time at all. If you are after a product that is fashionable and highly functional, the customised memory stick may be one of the products you will find all year.

Live USBs have many advantages and limitations when compared to the live CD.  Unlike live CDs the data contained can be changed and stored.  At the same time, people are able to carry their favorite operating system with them.  There is enhanced privacy with live USBs is due to the compact size and ability to store it in smaller places or carry it with you.  Live USBs usually start faster, though this is not true if a computer is lacking USB 2.0 support.  Older computers may not have BIOS that supports USB booting.  In this case, an initial bootable CD may be needed.  Due to the writing cycles of the live USB, the life of the flash drive is reduced.  This is not a worry with live CDs.

With the know-how, you can find programs that will help you to create custom USBs.  You can search the internet to find these programs that will support Windows or Linux operating systems.  In order to do this, you will need a broadband internet connection.  Some people find that creating their own custom USB suits them better.  It takes up very little space on the USB drive as well.  This allows you to personalize your live USB to your business and personal needs.

Many programs can create a live USB that is compatible with Windows and Linux.  The install for programs are completely non-destructive.  Due to this, there is no need to deal with formatting or partitioning your custom USB key.  Various programs also support automatic downloads through Fedora and Sugar on a Stick.  Storage creation is persistent, so you can save files and make modifications that will remain and persist after you reboot your system.  You are also protected when it comes to making sure that you have downloaded the correct elements.

Many, many sites are available on the internet which allows you to buy live or custom USBs.  There is also an endless amount of support on these sites to answer your questions as to what you may need, or step by step instructions to create your own.  The options that you have with live USBs are extremely vast.

There are many advantages to a live USB.  It can make life much more convenient for those who travel as well as using multiple computers. There is no more worrying about whether you are going to have the file support and programs that you need when you are traveling around.  It is a wise investment.

To realize how convenient the USB port is, we need to go back to the old ways.  Printers were connected to printer ports, and there was usually only one of these.  This is also the same spot that you would need to plug your Zip drive into, or any gadget that required high-speed.  Modems and many other devices plugged into the serial port.  If you were lucky, you had two.  If you only had one, chances are you needed it for the modem.  Devices needing faster speed came with their own card.  These had to go into a card slot inside the computer case.  The number of card slots was limited, so you had to pick and choose your devices wisely.  We won’t even talk about having to install the software for the cards.  The USB came in to help stop these headaches and seemingly grueling activities.   You can now connect up to approximately 127 devices to your computer with one simple, standardized method, making customised USB devices extremely popular.

When you plug a customised USB device into a USB port, the computer operating system searches for the device in its drivers.  If the driver is not found, the appropriate one must be installed.  The computer will be able to recognize the device the next time that it is hooked to the computer.  When the device is recognized and loaded to the correct driver, data is transferred between the computer and the devices at a very high rate of speed.  Files can be transferred to and from hard drives, USB flash drives and other storage devices.

USB has been a great time and sanity saver for any computer user.  People seem to be more on the go these days, and the quicker ways of the USB make it possible to travel, and to be a lot more mobile with your operating systems, programs and information.

Not only can you run many more devices with USB ports, you save a lot of space on your computer as well.  There is also not as much wear and tear on your hard drive. Not everything has to be stored and formatted like the old days, and customised USB devices are adding an extra dimension of fun to data storage with numerous fantastic designs available.

As you sit and use your separate keyboard, scanner, printer and more with your portable laptop, you have your USB set up to thank.   The world of computers is much more convenient due to the production and function of the USB port.

Because customised USB flash drives are so popular, they are a great target for attackers to spread infections.  Flash drives are frequently used to move data between multiple systems. Due to this, viruses can be spread quickly.  Viruses can become so bad that many work places have banned the use of flash drives.  Some places of employment have placed silent applications that can detect when a flash drive is in use. Although this helps, by the time someone is notified, a virus could already be spread. Although this can be very problematic, viruses can’t get everyone trying to use a customised USB flash drive.

Many people think that because their customised USB flash drive is encrypted that they are safe.  Encryption only protects against loss or theft.  Digital photo kiosks are often not thought of as a threat, but these are one of the main distribution points for infections.  Think about it, you could go to a popular store, infect the photo kiosk, and sit back as the virus spreads to thousands of people walking in with their memory cards.  Many people will save pictures on a flash drive as well and this may be after they have been to a kiosk.

There are many places on the internet that provide USB antivirus programs.  Most of these programs provide great protection against programs trying to attack through your USB drive.  When any USB device is inserted into your computer, the antivirus program will automatically scan.  It will then block and delete USB viruses, Trojans and malicious code.  These programs can help to permanently protect your computer against USB worms.  These programs will not slow down your computer, and are compatible with other virus programs.

There are other precautions you can take to ensure protection against viruses.  Make sure to use security features such as, passwords and encryption.  It is wise to keep personal and business USB drives separate.  If using security and virus software, make sure that it is up to date.  Do not plug an unknown USB drive into your computer.

Nothing will protect you 100% from USB viruses, but it is worthwhile to educate yourself on all of the software and precautions you can use to help protect yourself and others.  Keep up to date on the software you use, and try to understand any current viruses and how they could affect you.

Spreading viruses through USB drives can be a very large problem.  It is a very easy way for people who are up to no good to do a lot of damage, and in a very short amount of time.  It takes the work out of spreading viruses through traditional means. So we need to become more aware of our USB drives and devices.  We are in a world of viruses that are not limited to our computers.

The advantages of a customised USB flash drive over traditional storage devices are many.  They are obviously far more compact, which makes it easier to carry them in a safe manner.  They operate faster than the other traditional storage devices, hold more data, and are more reliable due to the fact that they have fewer moving parts.  The durability factor of the USB flash is amazing compared to traditional saving devices as well.  The flash drive is made up of a small circuit board that is protected inside of a case.  These cases are plastic, metal, or rubberized.  The USB connector is able to retract for protection or comes with a removable cap.   Due to these factors, the USB flash drive can be carried with no additional protection.  Carry with confidence!

It is very common now to see computers sold without a floppy disk option.  USB ports occur on the current mainstream laptop and PC.  They typically use USB mass storage which is supported by all modern operating systems.  There is a lot more storage ability in a lot less space than previous traditional methods.

Most USB flash drives use a standard A USB connection.  This allows the ability to plug into just about any personal computer or laptop.  You can be anywhere and retrieve the information that you need.  The nature of the flash drive as far as storage is an advantage when being used on multiple computers.  The applications stored on a flash drive, are meant to run on any computer without requiring installation.  Although most applications can be used this way, many of the programs will store data and configure information on the hard drive and registry of the computer being used.

The USB flash drive has brought a lot of potential to the computer world.  You now can have them custom made to fit your needs as far as storage capability.  You can also have them personalized with logos, designs and colors to fit your unique style and personality.  If you have many things to save that are important to you, a customised USB flash drive is the way to go.  You can be confident that your information will remain safe within the durable confines of the flash drive.

Flash drives can be found in any electronics area found in your local stores.  If you are looking for a customized drive, online companies are the way to go.  You can receive free price quotes as you design and personalize your flash drive.