PNY Attaché Original

The Original is also an improvement over its predecessor when it comes to performance. We connected the drive to a Windows XP PC and tested it using CrystalDiskMark 2.2, and then we plugged it into a Mac and copied across a 2GB file and a 1GB folder containing 100 10MB files as a more real-world test.

Blister in the sun

In the file-transfer tests, the new PNY drive's lead over its predecessor also put it further ahead of the slower drives in the round-up, but alas did not bring it in among the fastest drives on test. The Original's CrystalDiskMark results were not significantly ahead of the old model's numbers.

As such, the update represents more of a form-factor change than a performance overhaul, though it is generally faster than the previous model.

The good news is the price. The 32GB Original is priced at £75, which makes it one of the cheapest of the three 32GB USB Flash drives we've tested. But if you shop around, you can pick it up for as little as £57, which is very good value for money given the capacity.

Verdict

PNY's Attaché Original isn't the fastest USB Flash drive you can buy, but it is a reasonable performer. And given the price, we think most punters will happily trade a little write speed for a large cost saving. Its small size wins it points too. ®

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