iStorage Datashur 8GB
Price: $95 (www.istorage-uk.com)
Ratings: 3 stars
Along with AES 256-bit encryption,
iStorage devices include a numeric pad for typing in a Pin for even greater
security. Before accessing the Datashur USB drive you press the key symbol,
enter a PIN and press the key symbol again. You then have 30 seconds to plug it
in to a USB port. Without unlocking the device first, our test PC threw up a
‘driver not installed’ error and prevented us from seeing the Datashur and the
data stored on it. With the right PIN entered, the drive behaved like normal –
but with a few differences. Speed, for example, was slower than other drives,
with read speeds averaging around 12MBps. Read and write speeds together were
even worse, averaging a paltry 5.1MBps.
iStorage
Datashur 8GB includes a numeric pad for typing in a Pin.
The Datashur’s packaging says it has
USB 2.0/3.0, though iStorage confirmed to us that the drive is USB 2.0. The
‘USB 3.0’ claim just means it works in USB 3.0 ports.
The AES 256-bit encryption and extra
layer of physical security, along with its splash-proof casing, make this a
great device for protecting your files, but the slow speeds are a real let
down.
AES
256-bit encryption
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is
a standart for encrypting electronic data. It’s one of the most secure forms of
encryption and is even used by the US government. Its predecessor, DES, had
been in use since the 1970s and its lengthy period of being the go-to
encryption method resulted in more focused attacks and security breaches – in
1999 it took 22 hours to break a DES key. Triple DES was brought in – three DES
keys in a row – but it was painfully slow. What was needed was something as
secure as Triple DES but faster. AES-256 uses a 256-bit key, compared to DES’s
56-bit key. A bit is one unit of binary information and the more bits, the
stronger the encryption. To break a 256-bit AES key it would take a computer
2,200 operations. It’s been hypothesized that since the Big Bang the same
computer would manage 10,120 operations.
Altec Lansing Bliss Platinum Earphones
Price: $60 (www.alteclasing.com)
Ratings: 4 stars
Earphones are usually a
one-size-fits-all product that anyone can use, but Altec Lansing’s latest
creations, the Bliss Platinum Earphones, are advertised as women-only. The
narrow ear barrels are designed to fit ladies’ smaller inner ears, with a
lightweight design and a selection of different tip sizes for maximum comfort.
Altec
Lansing Bliss Platinum Earphones are designed to fit ladies’ smaller inner
ears.
We found the buds were comfortable to
wear as promised, and sound quality was typically excellent, as expected of the
Altec Lansing brand. We also really liked the tough cables, which are a good
length and feel as if they’ll cope with plenty of punishment.
Usually out earphones last a month or
two at best, thanks to fraying, but we’re confident we’ll be using the Bliss
Platinums for months to come.
A choice of four colours is available,
but our pink model did get scuffed quite quickly, so consider yourself warned.
Revell Control Supermicro Tiget
Helicopter
Price: $55 (www..co.uk)
Ratings: 4 stars
Revell
Control Supermicro Tiget Helicopter
If you’re looking for a last minute
present for a gadget enthusiast, this miniature helicopter is a great (and
affordable) option.
Impatient owners will be pleased to
discover that this micro-chopper comes ready-assembled and take less than half
an hour to charge before it’s ready to take to the skies. Once you’ve
synchronised the helicopter with the remote control, you’re ready for action.
Controls are extremely sensitive and
take a little getting used to, but once you’ve got the hang of it you’ll be
dive-bombing random family members and pulling off daring manoeuvres. That
said, you’re best using the Supermicro Helicopter in an open space. Our first
attempted landing was an epic fail, causing apart of the propeller to snap
clean off. A word to the wise: invest in some strong glue to make sure you
avoid disappointment when the lucky recipient take his or her first test
flight.
