History Of Memory Capacity In Usb Sticks

By Author: Simon Britten
Total Articles: 9
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It’s hard to believe that ten years or so ago the floppy disk was still the most commonly used portable storage system for computer data, but then today’s USB sticks have also come a long way since they first started to replace them.

As the Millennium began, the development of the computer was outgrowing the traditional floppy disk as a method of portable data storage. What was once at the forefront of computer technology was starting to be seen as outdated on two fronts. For a start, floppy disks were too slow in terms of read and write speeds and secondly they were too small in respect of memory capacity given the advances and capabilities of the newer modern machines.

Although arguments still rage about the identity of the inventor of the USB flash drive, it was first made commercially available in 2000 when IBM, together with Trek Technology, introduced products named “DiskOnKey” and “ThumbDrive” respectively. These early USB memory sticks had a storage capacity of 8MB, which may seem small by today’s standards, but at the time was a massive improvement on the 1.44MB available on the ageing ...
... and soon to be redundant floppy disk.

The 8MB versions was very quickly followed up with a 16MB model and by 2003 IBM was selling an M-Systems manufactured unit capable of 64MB. It wasn’t long before a number of different versions from a host of different manufacturers became available, and by the time the memory stick really started to catch on with users, an impressive 128MB capacity memory stick was in common use, giving ample storage space for most users in a light and compact package.

These days USB sticks with 32 and 64GB storage capacity are common and a mighty 128 and 256GB are also available giving some serious backup capability for users constantly on the move.

Technology moves on and the development of the USB memory stick is no exception. In addition, as is often the case, prices fall as improvements and advancements are made. Over the period that USB sticks have been available, users have had access to ever increasing portable storage capacity with a corresponding and welcome reduction in what they actually pay for it.

Moreover, given the pace of change these days, this trend is likely to continue for some time meaning the floppy disk will sink further back in the memory of capacity hungry computer users.

Simon is part of the Bespoke USB team. Bespoke USB is the only place you need to visit for branded USB flash drives. Make a statement for your business with your own custom USB design. Visit our site today.