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Is The Floppy Dead?

Drawbacks

Even though you can't touch the memory inside of a USB Flash Drive, it is still made with memory components and as such is susceptible to electrostatic and other damage. But this is hardly much of a drawback since it is still much better than a floppy drive in that aspect. Another drawback has less to do with the drive itself, but rather where you are going to use the drive. The operating system on the computers you are going to use the drive on will make a bit of difference. Not all operating systems and versions can utilize USB ports. Many home users, companies, schools or libraries may still be using Windows NT or Windows 98. With the correct service pack Windows 98 can utilize USB ports. Windows NT and other older versions of Windows cannot utilize USB ports. Since Windows XP has been out for a few years and is becoming prominent, this issues is becoming far less of a concern as home users, businesses, schools, libraries, etc are upgrading to Windows XP which readily utilizes USB ports, thus making USB Flash Drives a very useful tool.

Another drawback is accessibility to USB ports themselves. Most current PCs have USB ports on the back panel. Older PCs or corporate PCs may not even have them. Sometimes it is impossible to access the back panel because of the way the PC is stored or mounted under a desk at businesses or in schools or at libraries. With newer PCs, USB ports are more commonly mounted on the front of the case in addition to those available on the back panel. USB extension cables are also available or even ship with a USB Flash Drive when purchased. Then you only have to plug in the cable once on the rear panel. From then on you just use the extension cable.

Adding It All Up

Is the floppy drive dead? The answer to this is . . . not yet. The benefits of a USB Flash Drive far exceed any of the drawbacks you might encounter. The floppy drive is prevalent on most all PCs, where easy access to a USB port may not be. Some computer manufacturers such as DELL have started making the floppy drive an add-on option instead of standard hardware in some model lines.

CD burners and ZIP Drives made the floppy drive obsolete for file storage. For convenience nothing has been able to compete. Till now!! Because of the sheer volume of floppy drives in existence, they will not be going away any time soon. But the USB Flash Drive is well on its way to dominance over the floppy drive. It's only a matter of time before the floppy drive is dead…

Where Can I buy?

For a great selection of USB Flash Drive products, visit Crucial Technology or Tiger Direct.

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