Don’t ask me why this isn’t documented anywhere, but I have it on good authority that the best USB memory stick to use for Vista’s ReadyBoost is an Apacer Handy Steno – the 2GB version. Apacer also has a 4GB version, although it’s been reported that the 4GB model has reliability issues (though I don’t know how “reliablity” is defined or charted). No matter, Microsoft is apparently using Apacer USB sticks for the ultimate speed boost (ReadyBoost) in Vista. From Mwave, a list of features:

• All in one design: to avoid losing the cover
• USB 2.0 Interface: Truly plug and play
• Slender body makes USB ports accessible
• High capacity support
• Docking included for user-friendly usage
• High performance (Max.) *: Read speed-25MB/sec. & Write speed-14MB/sec.
• LED indicates data transfer in transferred
• Security/Booting/Formatting/Compressing functions
• Write Speed around 14000 KB / sec.
• Read Speed around 25000 KB / sec.

I would rather get the 4GB model than the 2GB one (for obvious reasons), but not if there are stability / consistency issues. Anybody else have experiences with Apacer? That’s a brand I just haven’t heard of before.

The Fastest Flash Drive