Serious question on thumb drives (was Re: Maybe a deal on flash drives)

Karl Larsen k5di at zianet.com
Sun Sep 16 14:54:02 UTC 2007 

Mikkel L. Ellertson wrote:
> Aaron Konstam wrote:
>   
>>> RAM  has got cheap this Fall and that was why I bought 2 GB for this 
>>> computer.  I would buy the unit made in China if it is much cheaper. 
>>> They must have about the same thing inside that the US units have. And I 
>>> think some US models are made in China :-)
>>>
>>>       
>> Similar is not the same. What is in a Ram memory chip is not what is in
>> a flash drive for two reasons:
>> 1. RAM chips are dynaminc memory. So when the power is off they loose
>> their contents.
>> 2. No one would buy RAM memory that could only be written to 500,000
>> times.
>>
>>     
> RAM chips may be dynamic memory. They may also be static memory. I
> have this nice 256k battery backed up static S-100 memory board in
> storage. The difference is that you have to refresh dynamic RAM even
> if it is powered up. You do not have to refresh static RAM as long
> as you keep it powered up. But static RAM usually costs more.
>
> Mikkel
>   
Our problem is we keep calling this technology some old name. This 
memory devise is called "Flash Memeory". It can be used for many 
applications. Here is one:


            Search Results for: DT100/8GB

Description: 	8GB USB 2.0 Hi-Speed DataTraveler 100
Mfgr's System P/N's: 	N/A
Form Factor: 	USB Flash Memory
Pieces/Unit: 	1
Warranty: 	5 Yrs



How to purchase online 
<http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=DT100/8GB&id=1>Compatibility 
<http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=DT100/8GB&id=2>Warranty 
<http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=DT100/8GB&id=3>Support 
<http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=DT100/8GB&id=4>Show 
All 
<http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=DT100/8GB&id=8> 


U.S. residents can purchase Kingston memory online from the following 
list of authorized resellers. Visitors from outside the U.S., *click 
here* <http://www.kingston.com/wheretobuy/Regions.asp>.

8GB DataTraveler 100 USB 2.0 Flash Drive
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=43405222>
	Shop at 	Price 	Stock 	
Kingston 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=870&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=e246e5ee6cd2ccafa7f1c63aab6036b6&dl=1>

	$117.00 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=870&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=e246e5ee6cd2ccafa7f1c63aab6036b6&dl=1> 
	see site 	Shop 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=870&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=e246e5ee6cd2ccafa7f1c63aab6036b6&dl=1> 

PC Connection 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=370&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=4960c6724e7161a961f89a99639ab800&dl=1>

	$109.95 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=370&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=4960c6724e7161a961f89a99639ab800&dl=1> 
	yes 	Shop 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=370&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=4960c6724e7161a961f89a99639ab800&dl=1> 

Kingston (Channel Engine) 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=2541&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=e7338f8325c1d7f662b2310578d36e9a&dl=1>

	$117.00 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=2541&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=e7338f8325c1d7f662b2310578d36e9a&dl=1> 
	see site 	Shop 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=2541&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=e7338f8325c1d7f662b2310578d36e9a&dl=1> 

Computers4SURE 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=18&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=2377a5ceded35226691d7d48b5554851&dl=1>

	$97.95 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=18&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=2377a5ceded35226691d7d48b5554851&dl=1> 
	yes 	Shop 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=18&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=2377a5ceded35226691d7d48b5554851&dl=1> 

Buy.com 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=1&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=5fb2effcede07b53e37f7f929283ecd0&dl=1>

	$91.99 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=1&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=5fb2effcede07b53e37f7f929283ecd0&dl=1> 
	yes 	Shop 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/rd.php?pg=%7E%7E7&r=1&m=43405222&q=n&mt=%7E%7E117.00%7E81.25%7E%7E%7E0%7E&k=5fb2effcede07b53e37f7f929283ecd0&dl=1> 

Compare Prices for All 7 Sellers ($81.25 - $117.00) 
<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=43405222>

<http://kingston2.pgpartner.com>



*Compatibility*
All Kingston products are developed using industry leading quality 
processes, ensuring superior quality, performance, and 100% 
compatibility with the device the module is designed for.

To see a complete list of devices that use this memory



*Kingston Limited Warranty Statement*

Complete information regarding Kingston's warranties is listed below. 
You can jump directly to the section you want more quickly by selecting 
the topic you need from the list below:

    * *Duration of Warranty*
      <http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=DT100/8GB&referid=28#duration>
    * *Free Technical Support*
      <http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=DT100/8GB&referid=28#techsupport>
    * *Warranty Claim Procedures and Requirements*
      <http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=DT100/8GB&referid=28#claims>
    * *DISCLAIMERS*
      <http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=DT100/8GB&referid=28#disclaimer>
    * *Storage Products Warranty* <http://www.storcase.com>

*KINGSTON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, INC.* ("Kingston") warrants to the 
original end user customer of its products specified below that its 
products are free from defects in material and workmanship. Subject to 
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or replacement products will be provided by Kingston on an exchange 
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product, it will refund the current value of the product at the time the 
warranty claim is made.

This limited warranty does not cover any damage to this product that 
results from improper installation, accident, abuse, misuse, natural 
disaster, insufficient or excessive electrical supply, abnormal 
mechanical or environmental conditions, or any unauthorized disassembly, 
repair, or modification. This limited warranty also does not apply to 
any product on which the original identification information has been 
altered, obliterated or removed, has not been handled or packaged 
correctly, has been sold as second-hand or has been resold contrary to 
the US export regulations.

This limited warranty covers only repair, replacement or refund for 
defective Kingston products, as provided above. Kingston is not liable 
for, and does not cover under warranty, any loss of data or any costs 
associated with determining the source of system problems or removing, 
servicing or installing Kingston products. This warranty excludes 3rd 
party software, connected equipment or stored data. In the event of a 
claim, Kingston's sole obligation shall be replacement of the hardware.

*Duration of Warranty*

*Lifetime Warranty:* ^†
The following Kingston products are covered by this warranty for life:

Memory modules including ValueRAM, HyperX and Kingston system specific 
memory, Flash memory cards (e.g. Secure Digital, CompactFlash, 
MultiMediaCard, SmartMedia) ATA Flash, and Linear Flash; memory 
expansion-boards, networking adapters; routers, hubs and switches 
without cooling fans (excluding the power supply), Flash adapters and 
microprocessor upgrade products.

*Five-Year Warranty:*
The following Kingston products are covered by this warranty for a 
period of five years from the date of original retail purchase: PC Card 
Readers and USB DataTravelers.

*Three-Year Warranty:*
The following Kingston products are covered by this warranty for a 
period of three years from the date of original retail purchase: Datapak 
PC Card Hard Drive products.

*Two-Year Warranty:*
The following Kingston products are covered by this warranty for a 
period of two years from the date of original retail purchase: Solid 
state PC Card (PCMCIA) adapters.

*One-Year Warranty:*
The following Kingston products are covered by this warranty for a 
period of one year from the date of original retail purchase: 
DataTraveler Accessory Kit, TravelLite SD/MMC Reader and KPEX Portable 
Media Player.

Discontinued products not listed in the warranty are no longer covered 
as their warranty has expired.

This limited warranty applies only to the original end user customer of 
the product for so long as the original end user customer owns the 
product. This limited warranty is non-transferable.

*Free Technical Support*

If you experience difficulty during the installation or subsequent use 
of a Kingston product, you may contact Kingston's Technical Support 
department prior to servicing your system.

For support over the Internet, visit *Kingston.com/support* 
<http://www.kingston.com/support>.

Kingston also provides free English-language technical support to its 
customers worldwide.

Kingston Technical Support in the United States and Canada can be 
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Kingston Technology Technical Support can be contacted by calling +44 
(0) 1932 738888 or for national rate telephone numbers visit 
*www.kingston.com/europe/contact* 
<http://www.kingston.com/europe/contact>. For ValueRAM memory Technical 
Support in Europe, please call +44 (0)1932 755 210.

Kingston Technical Support in Asia can be contacted directly by calling:

    * Calling from Australia: 1800-353-916, toll free (office hours)
      1800-620-569, toll free (24/7)
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    * Calling from Taiwan: 0800-666-200, toll free
    * Calling from Thailand: 001800-861-0018, toll free
    * Calling from other Asian countries: +886-3-500-1715, toll call

*Warranty Claim Procedures and Requirements*

To obtain warranty service, you may return a defective product to the 
authorized Kingston dealer or distributor from which you purchased the 
Kingston product. Please confirm the terms of your dealer's or 
distributor's return policies prior to returning the product. Typically, 
you must include product identification information, including model 
number and serial number (if applicable) with a detailed description of 
the problem you are experiencing. You must also include proof of the 
date of original retail purchase as evidence that the product is within 
the applicable warranty period.

*In the United States*, you may return the product directly to the 
Kingston factory after first obtaining a Return Material Authorization 
("RMA") number from Kingston. An RMA number is obtained by visiting 
Kingston.com/support or by calling Kingston Customer Service at +1 (714) 
438-1810, or +1 (800) 337-3719. For ValueRAM memory product returns, 
please contact Technical Support at +1 (800) 435-0640 for RMA service 
and support.

Once you have obtained an RMA number from Kingston, you must, within 
thirty (30) days, send the product freight-prepaid and insured to 
Kingston Technology Company, Customer Service, 17665-A Newhope Street, 
Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA. Products shipped to the factory must be 
properly packaged to prevent damage in transit. You must include the 
Kingston RMA number prominently displayed on the outside of your 
package. If you send your product to the factory without the RMA number 
prominently displayed on the outside of the package, it will be returned 
to you unopened.

*In Europe*, if you are unable to return the product to the authorised 
Kingston dealer or distributor from whom you purchased the product, you 
may return the product directly to the Kingston service centre at: 
Kingston Court, Brooklands Close, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, TW16 
7EP, UK. *Before returning the product, you must first obtain a Return 
Material Authorization ("RMA") number from Kingston. An RMA number is 
obtained by contacting European Technical Support via Kingston's 
website: kingston.com/support. Conditions and freight requirements are 
as with US RMA returns as shown above. *

*In Asia*, please click on the region which applies to you. In Taiwan 
<http://dbcs.kingston.com/web_rma/taiwan/>, you can either return a 
defective product to our local distributor, service center or complete 
an online application procedure. Click here 
<http://dbcs.kingston.com/web_rma/taiwan/> to proceed. In China 
<http://www.kingston.com/china/support/rma/default.asp>, you can apply 
for an RMA through either an authorized distributor or an authorized 
service center. Click here 
<http://www.kingston.com/china/support/rma/default.asp> for list of 
service centers in China.

In all other Asia Pacific countries, please contact your local 
distributor or dealer to arrange an RMA. Within 3 days of RMA issuance 
from Kingston, the defective product must be properly packaged and 
shipped insured by FedEx only to Kingston Technology Far East Corp, No. 
1-5, Li-Hsin Rd. I, Science Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan R.O.C. Kingston will 
not be responsible for any expenses incurred for utilizing the freight 
and custom clearance fee. Click here 
<http://portal.kingston.com/portal/login.asp> for complete Kingston 
Technology Far East RMA Policy (access is limited to authorized Kingston 
distributors and dealers).

The returned product will become the property of Kingston. Repaired or 
replacement product will be shipped at Kingston's expense. Repaired or 
replacement product will continue to be covered by this limited warranty 
for the remainder of the original warranty or 90 days, whichever is longer.

*Disclaimers*

*THE FOREGOING IS THE COMPLETE WARRANTY FOR KINGSTON PRODUCTS AND 
SUPERSEDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS, WHETHER ORAL OR 
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DEATH OF ANY PERSON OR ANY LOSS, INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY 
BY USE OF PRODUCTS USED IN APPLICATIONS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 
MILITARY OR MILITARY-RELATED EQUIPMENT, TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT, 
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SUCH USE IS INTENDED, CONTACT KINGSTON FOR COMPONENTS SUITABLE FOR SUCH 
APPLICATIONS.

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OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE PURCHASE, USE OR INABILITY TO 
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CONSUMER. THIS DISCLAIMER DOES NOT PURPORT TO LIMIT OR EXCLUDE 
KINGSTON'S LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR INJURY CAUSED BY ITS NEGLIGENCE OR FOR 
FRAUDULENT MISREPRESENTATION.*








*Technical Support Phone and Fax Numbers *

Technical Support (toll free) +1 (800) 435-0640
Technical Support (direct) +1 (714) 435-2639
Technical Fax +1 (714) 424-3939
RMA Department +1 (800) 337-3719



*IBM Service Agreement*

Customers who purchase an IBM warranty upgrade can receive IBM on-site 
service of selected Kingston products installed in or attached to IBM 
PCs, PC workstations, PC and Netfinity^® servers, X-Series and 
ThinkPads^® .

Kingston Technology and IBM Service Agreement 
<http://www.kingston.com/company/pdf/IBM2006letter.pdf>

Kingston Technology and IBM Service Agreement for Canada 
<http://www.kingston.com/company/ibmcanada.asp>

Kingston Technology and IBM Service Agreement for Australia and New 
Zealand <http://www.kingston.com/company/ibmaustralia.asp>

*Eligible product list for IBM Service Agreement for USA, Canada, 
Australia and New Zealand: *

    * IBM FRU to Kingston Part Number
      <http://www.kingston.com/company/ibm2ktc.asp>
    * Kingston Part Number to IBM FRU
      <http://www.kingston.com/company/ktc2ibm.asp>

*Please note:* ValueRam products are not covered by the Kingston/IBM 
Service Agreement.









As you see it is possible to get an 8 GB Flash Memory USB stick for 
$92.00 from Buy.com which has a 5 year warrenty and should work on F7 
just fine :-)




-- 

	Karl F. Larsen, AKA K5DI
	Linux User
	#450462   http://counter.li.org.

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