Busbi 8Gb USB Drive - Portable Storage

Advantages: Very hard wearing, large memory.

Disadvantages: Clip has snapped off.

This has been one of many USB memory sticks that I have had in the last few years as I have quite a habit of losing them. After looking through the Argos catalogue for one, I stumbled across this one for about £10, which was very good value for it a couple of years ago.

As stated, its capacity is 8Gb, which for me is more than sufficient. This is roughly equivalent to nearly 2000 songs, so very big! It is made of what feels like a black rubber material which has so far made it very hardy to being bashed about. To plug it into your computer, you simply remove the black cap that protects the USB from damage. There is no clip to hold it on, it simply slides on and off. Initially I was worried it would fall off and I would lose it but it actually stays on really well. Once the cap is removed, it simply plugs into the USB port on your computer or laptop.

On the first use, the computer will install any drivers it needs to automatically, which only takes a few seconds. Once this is done you are free to use it however needed. Adding files is simply done by dragging them from one folder and dropping them into the memory sticks folder. It couldn't be easier. I have only ever used this on Windows computers to great success, however I have never used it on a Mac so I can not vouch for its performance there.

On the end there is a chrome keyring clip, which is great for attaching it to your keyring or lanyard to keep it safe. For the past two years I have had it attached to a lanyard so I don't lose it, however just before the end of December it finally broke off. This has not affected the use of the memory stick in anyway, it just means that I have to be more careful in looking after it. There is also a red LED light on it by the keyring clip which flashes when the USB is in use.

It is about 5mm deep, 1cm wide and about 5cm long. For a memory stick this is reasonably small, but not too small that it will be lost easily. If you are in need of a memory stick and want one that will look professional, is good value for money and will last you a long time, then it is well worth looking out for this one. Everything about it has proved to be excellent. Others I have used in the past have been plasticy and have broken or been lost easily whereas this has a solid, durable construction that will take anything (probably not water) that you throw at it.

Definitely needs to be rated 5/5 for providing me with quality portable data storage for the last few years.

Summary: Best I've had in years

This review may also appear on Dooyoo and Ciao under the username Qroo.

Unbeatable - Apple iPod (3G) 8GB

Apple iPod nano 8 GB Black (3rd Generation) OLD MODEL

Advantages: Ease of use, perfect size, huge memory.

Disadvantages: No longer produced!

I've had my 3rd Generation Apple iPod Nano now for around 4 years and throughout this time I have had no problems with it at all. When purchasing, I decided to get the 8gb instead of the 4gb model as I had a growing music collection at the time.

The iPod works on the PC when connected up with the iTunes software, which is downloadable free of charge from the internet. From this program, you can upload all your music onto it, so it can act as a "Jukebox" on your computer. When you transfer music, you simply select which tracks you do and don't want on the iPod and it quickly transfers them over.

In the 8gb memory, I have 1836 songs on my iPod with 4.4Mb free space. This is a huge selection of songs and it means I can always listen to something different. With the music you can have the album artwork displayed as well. This does look nice, but I have chosen to turn this feature off as it takes up space on the iPod that I needed for music.

The iPod doesn't just do music though, you can add music videos, TV shows and films to it, all of which can be watched quite comfortably on the 2 inch colour screen. If you want to listen to podcasts then this is perfect for them as it can store many on it as well. Other features include a clock, calender, contacts, alarms, games, notes and a stopwatch. When synced to your computer you can download data for all these extras.

There are other mp3 players on the market that can offer the same memory for a lower price, but for what the brilliant functionality and ease of use that the iPod Nano offers, it is worth paying the extra for it. The iPod has become the world leader for portable music and this is due to the simple designs, easy computer synchronisation and the unbeatable sound quality that you get with the free headphones.

Sadly this model is no longer available for purchase as they have subsequently released the 4th and 5th generation Nano, which I believe are no match for this one. I find size is just right for carrying, especially when jogging or in the gym. If you look at the newer ones, they are either long and slim, not great for pockets or very small with a touch screen, which could be fiddly with sweaty hands.

Once this iPod eventually breaks (hopefully not for a few more years), I will definitely try and get another of this model just because I like it so much. I've tried other iPods and mp3 players in the past but none have been as good as this one.

If you want an iPod and can find someone who is selling this model then I would highly recommend it.

Summary: Best iPod to date.

Review can also be found on Dooyoo and Ciao under the username Qroo.