August 31, 2006 -- Toshiba Corp. has announced that it will soon ship its largest Universal Serial Bus flash drive at an impressive 16GB.

The TransMemory line of flash memory sticks from Toshiba range in capacity from 512MB up to 4GB, but the company also plans to release a special "limited edition" 16GB version. The memory sticks will be available in November, except for the limited edition version, which will ship at the end of December.

Also with the exception of the 16GB version, all the drives will support U3 technology, enabling users to carry their data files, applications and PC settings around. U3 technology also allows users to syncronize data each time the memory stick is inserted in the USB port. In addition, a security program is available to protect the data, and the memory sticks work with both Mac OS and Windows, according to Toshiba.

The drives measure 2.5 x .70 x .33 in. in size and weigh just 8 grams. The special 16GB USB drive measures 3.2 x .78 x .31 in. and weighs 12 grams. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

The line reflects a wider move toward a more serious use of flash memory. Seagate Technology Inc. has already produced a 32GB notebook flash drive, and for about $2,470, you can buy a 64GB flash drive from Kanguru Solutions in Millis, Mass. (see "A whopper of a flash drive"). A 16GB drive from Kingston Technology Co. will set you back about $730.


While the TransMemory 16GB Limited Edition doesn't support the Toshiba's U3 security system, which allows the drives to be removed from a PC leaving no trace of their presence, it does feature password protection.