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Flash drive or flashy jewelry?

Steve Conaway Labs Manager / Senior Technical Project Manager
I am the Labs Manager for CNET's Home Division based in Louisville, KY. My interest in technology began in the early '90s, and soon after I began my double major in computer science and computer engineering. I've worked in many areas, including computer hardware, software, technology, networking, graphic design, instruction, construction, music and even ballroom dancing! 65% Ron Swanson, 25% Ben Wyatt, 10% Andy Dwyer.
Expertise I've been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. I also renovate, flip and build houses in my 'spare' time. Paired with our test lab facilities, I write about lots of outdoor related things - portable power stations, tools, etc.
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Steve Conaway

The Petito flash drive is so small that you might think it shrunk in the dryer.

It may have been, since it is designed to be waterproof. The drive is completely encapsulated, also making it dustproof and shock resistant.

Petito flash drive
Credit: ATP
Petito flash drive

In theory, you should be able to forget the drive in your pants pocket and run it through the washing machine without worrying that it will get damaged. I don't plan on testing that theory anytime soon, but it is nice to know I have a contingency plan should I be feeling particularly dense one day.

The USB 2.0 compliant Petito from ATP Electronics comes in capacities ranging from 256MB to 1GB. Slightly larger than a quarter, the flash drive puts a hefty amount of capacity into a tiny space. It supports sustained read speeds of up to 30MB per second and sustained write speeds of up to 20MB per second.

The Petito measures 1.65 inches by 0.8 inches and weighs about one-third of an ounce. A metal loop is built into the unit so it can be hooked to a keychain or worn like an ingot on a necklace. Gold- and silver-colored Petitos are available immediately for about $60. Dark-blue and titanium Petitos will be available later this month.