|
Page 2 of 2
Test Setup
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 EE 3.46GHz ES (1066MHz FSB)
Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP2
RAM: 1GB (2 x 512MB) Crucial Ballistix DDR2-667 PC5300
Power Supply: Enermax EG651P-VE 650W
Graphics card: Galaxy 6600GT PCI-Express
Motherboard: Intel D925CV2
Chipset drivers: i925XE Intel INF Update v6.0.1.1002 Software #1: Sisoft Sandra 2004 SP2a
Software #2: Windows Explorer Note: All tests were conducted at USB2 speeds.
Test Results
Our benchmarks tests yielded results close to what Swissbit specifies for the Twist Pro. The values we obtained were only marginally worse at around 7MB read and 6MB/sec write, this compared to the manufacturer's quoted 8MB/sec and 7MB/sec respectively. Further still these findings place it very much inline with other similar USB2 storage products. A file copy test we performed concerned with copying a 266MB file to the device took only 44 seconds to complete meaning 1GB can be transferred in around 160 seconds. Such performance enables many usage scenarios and for example is a good method for system administrators to carry program patches to machines where network access is disabled or limited. Not so long ago standard USB flash memory storage stormed the industry however its slow bandwidth (12Mbit/sec max) handling big files meant a long wait, with this second generation such nuisances are far less felt. Conclusion
There is a widespread availability of flash memory USB storage products on the market and so Swissbit is not alone in the quest for delivering the right product at the right time. We found this small yet handy device to be practical, fast and most important of all highly capable in how much it can carry. If one combines this with the elegant looks and added benefit of a belt clip there is little to argue against it. Whether our daily life requires us to move music files, documents or even backup our data the Swissbit Twist Pro 2GB will surely come in useful. If to take into account the $240 or so asking price it is perhaps not cheap but the low weight and higher durability than compact discs makes it all that more appealing. An only flaw is that some effort must be made to turn the swivel and therefore unveil the USB connector from its hiding place, a small inconvenience otherwise not spoiling a good design. Overall the census is highly positive and recommending this gizmo is the right conclusion to make. Pros:
- Small and weightless
- USB2 connectivity
- 2GB of storage space!
- Fast file transfer Cons:
- Slightly expensive
- Minor swivel stiffness Overall rating: 85%
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/Hide comment form