INTRODUCTION

    Just like with every other flash storage media in the electronics market USB flash drives have gone a long way since their introduction well over two decades ago. Just think about it, back in the early 2000's USB flash drives couldn't even surpass speeds of 10-15MB/s whereas today SSD technology-based USB flash drives can even surpass 1000MB/s (and portable SSDs can obviously go much higher). Through the years however speed/performance hasn't been the only thing that has changed with USB flash drives, connectivity also has and even though USB-A is still the predominant interface USB-C has also risen in popularity (primarily due to its support for faster drives and being available with many portable devices). Last year Netac released the US5, a High-Speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive and today I’ll be testing the 1TB capacity variant.

    Started in May 1999, Netac Technology (Stock Code at Shenzhen Exchange: 300042) is a leading flash memory manufacturer based in Shenzhen. Through more than ten years' growth, Netac was successfully listed in Growth Enterprise Market in January 2010, becoming the first listed removable storage supplier in China. Netac is the trademark used for our USB flash memory products. As the inventor of flash memory and a leading new-generation storage product manufacturer, Netac possesses the first generation of USB-based flash memory technology in the world. We focus on manufacturing of flash memory products, such as USB flash storage, portable hard drive and solid state disk, especially on security and encryption of USB flash storage and portable hard drive. We have a wholly owned production base for processing of all flash storage products. At present, Netac Technology (Hong Kong) Limited and Leapro Technology Co., Ltd. are two fully subsidiary companies of Netac Technology Co., Ltd. Leapro Technology Co., Ltd is the holder of the SD-3C license.

    The US5 High-Speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive by Netac is available in 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB capacities and is based on a SATA III/600 SSD design (which is why I’ll be testing it as an portable SSD) which in turn allows it to achieve read and write speeds of up to 550MB/s and 500MB/s respectively. It also features a quality exterior made of out zinc alloy, comes ready with two interfaces (USB-A/C) and is covered by a somewhat generous 5-year limited warranty. This seems to be a very interesting USB flash drive so let's move forward with today’s review to see just what Netac brings to the table with their US5.