Need a Thumb Drive Recommendation

Bmosbacker · September 28, 2019, 4:35pm

I will be giving several keynotes and workshops at an upcoming conference. I have been asked by the host to have my presentations on a thumb drive so they can copy them to their systems if necessary–I suspect Windows machines but I have not asked.

I do not currently own a thumb drive as I do everything via the cloud but given the request, I need to purchase one. My MBP and iPad Pro of course have USB-C connectors. Am I safe in buying a dual USB-C thumb drive (e.g., one like this: https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Duo-Plus-128GB-MUF-128DB/dp/B07DW2PJ9F/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=usb-c+thumb+drive&qid=1569687613&sr=8-3) This looks like I should be able to use if for any machine they have. Am I correct?

I assume I would NOT need this adapter: https://www.amazon.com/nonda-Adapter-Thunderbolt-Aluminum-Indicator/dp/B015Z7XE0A?ref=dp_atch_dss_sdp_ce_2 Is that correct?

Do you recommend a different thumb drive?

Thanks!

stu_w · September 28, 2019, 6:19pm

I’ve got one of the Sandisk ones: https://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-Ultra-Type-C-Flash-Drive/dp/B01EZ0X3L8/. It has a little slider, push it one way you get a USB-C connector or USB-A the other way.
It’s not had a ton of use so far though has been great for moving files between machines with and without USB-C.

darranwest · September 28, 2019, 7:30pm

I have the same type of drive as @stu_w. So far I have been very happy with it. I formatted it as an exFAT drive on my Mac and have used it in my iPad Pro, Windows 10 machine at work as well as my Mac.

Bmosbacker · September 28, 2019, 10:53pm

Thanks everyone, that is what I needed to know. I’ll place the order. Much appreciated

ChrisUpchurch · September 28, 2019, 11:25pm

I have one of the SanDisk Duos as well. Formatted with ExFAT it’s worked fine with an iPad, iMac, and a PC.

Cbales · September 30, 2019, 1:09am

Kingston DTSE9

That one has been my favourite - I like the all metal body, no need for little string to attach to keychain, or plastic parts to break in your pocket.

Format it exFat for compatibility for Mac OS (10.6.5+) and Windows (later XP) versions. If you KNOW you will only use on Macs you can format it a MacOS way.

Sadly it’s not so elegant for use with USB-C - my MacBook Pro has a little dock so I always have USB-A ports.