Silicon Power 64GB Firma ZN F80 USB 2.0 Flash Drive

After my last *free* flash drive died an unfortunate death of causes unknown, I began using Dropbox as my main means of accessing files on the go. Recently, however, I had to give a presentation at another facility and was paranoid enough to want copies in multiple places and wasn't quite sure that a hospital computer would have an SD card reader. Thus, the need for a new flash drive.

My requirements were space, so that I could store all of my reference articles; ease of use, since nothing is more annoying than something easily lost or stuck in the USB port; and aesthetics, as I like pretty things. After an inappropriately long time scouring Amazon, I finally came across the Silicon Power 64 GB Firma ZN F80 USB 2.0 Flash Drive.

This product is the winner of multiple awards, and it was quickly evident why. First off, it's small. After years of clunky, chunky flash drives, I was surprised by one measuring less than two inches or so in length. Next, it doesn't require a cap. I've lost more covers to things over my lifetime than I care to consider, so this was a definite plus. Users on Amazon swear that it is actually waterproof, as stated. One mentions sending it through multiple washer cycles. I like it too much to test that theory, but I'll take their word for it. The circle on top is easy to thread through a key chain, or in my case, a carabiner. No messing with needle-size openings and embroidery thread here. The same opening makes for a convenient grip when removing from USB ports.
 
As someone who hates dealing with instruction manuals and set-up guides, I was glad to find that all I had to do with this flash drive was plug it into the port, let the driver install itself, and then save away. (Note: an internet connection will be necessary so that your OS can find the drivers for the self-install.) The saving process is incredibly fast, enough so that I could work on my Powerpoint directly from the drive without any noticeable lag time as I (compulsively) saved. One less thing to store on the desktop. The 64 GB storage is also pretty amazing, especially when the price tag is in the neighborhood of thirty-four dollars, plus free shipping if you have Amazon Prime. Not too shabby.

Lastly, this drive really is fingerprint- and scratch-proof. I had it in my pocket with keys, and it still looks like new. No fingerprints, either, which is remarkable since I had my grubby paws all over it as I worked on my presentation between flight delays, multiple airports/layovers, and a brief train ride. Color me impressed.

All in all, the Silicon Power 64 GB Firma ZN F80 USB 2.0 Flash Drive was absolutely a worthwhile, durable purchase. It gave me one less thing to stress about in the midst of a hellish travel day. Just make sure you keep it attached to something, or it may get lost.

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Takeya Classic Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve

Following a morning spent reading blog entries about the dangers of plastics and food products, I decided to take a step towards cutting back my chemical risks with a Takeya glass water bottle. After two weeks of use, I'm about ready to make my report.

First off, the bottle fits well into a medium-sized hand (7.5 if we're talking hospital glove sizes). The silicone grip is comfortable, and the viewing window makes it easy to see how much water is left. The lid is rather cleverly designed, with a square top that facilitates gripping and a tight seal that prevents leaks. Bravo.

One of my major concerns in buying a glass water bottle was the issue of breakage. After schlepping it around in a thin canvas bag, however, the bottle is still as good as new. I wouldn't recommend smashing it against something on purpose, but then, that's common sense.

Unfortunately, I find myself returning the bottle in the end. The wide opening, while intended to facilitate ice cubes and such, makes it difficult to drink from the bottle while moving (walking, running, etc). It's a little embarrassing dribbling water down your front at the gym! Also, at 10.5" height and 2.75" diameter, the bottle is too tall for the filtered water dispensers at work. Perhaps this is my own fault for choosing the 22-oz version over the 12-oz, but then, a glass and a half of water doesn't seem to do much to quench a girl's thirst.

Oddly enough, my 24-oz Contigo water bottle has the same diameter, but the uncapped bottle is approximately two inches shorter than the glass one. I'm attributing it to the thickness of the container wall and the extra space occupied by the silicone sleeve. As far as I know, there hasn't been any mass recall of Contigo products, so I'll just have to assume that the bottle is safe for now. I have my eye on a Lifefactory glass bottle once this plastic bottle inevitably goes missing. Having lost two already, it's only a matter of time...

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Zojirushi SM-KA48PT 16-Ounce/0.48 Liter Stainless Mug

After my Contigo travel mug pulled a vanishing act somewhere in the middle of hospital rounds, the search began for a suitable replacement. My criteria were simple: aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and successfully keeps a caffeinated beverage hot all day. Enter the Zojirushi SM-KA48PT. At sixteen ounces, it promised a pint's worth of caffeinated goodness at a temperature that could keep me toasty warm in the middle of a chilly pharmacy. Let's see how it held up:

Aesthetically pleasing Okay, so the mug is a little more girly (and slightly sparkly) than I would have preferred, Still, it's a fun color, and there are always other options. The mug comes in lavender, which I purchased, as well as champagne gold (not shown), pink champagne (not shown), smoky blue, and yes, even black.

Easy to clean The beauty of the SM-KA48PT is that it is easy to disassemble for cleaning. Unlike the Contigo travel mug, its sealing mechanism comes apart so that I can make sure all working parts are clean. Unfortunately, the mouthpiece has a tendency to collect tea stains. I usually just go at it with a Dobie all purpose pad, and I have a sneaking suspicion that a thorough cleaning would require a toothbrush and possibly a pipe cleaner.



Temperature control This last point was the nail in the coffin for the Contigo mug. By the middle of an eight and a half hour shift, the drink was usually lukewarm at best, with the distinct taste of milk that was starting to go bad. Blech. In contrast, the SM-KA48PT keeps the temperature up for a full workday and then some. During my test run, the water started at 208°F (97.8°C), at least according to my water dispenser. After filling the mug and assembling the lid, the temperature was 193°F (89.4°C). Approximately 5.6 hours later (reading not shown), it had dropped to 156°F (68.9°F). At exactly twelve hours from the first thermometer reading, the temperature had only fallen to 134°F (56.7°C). For those of you who don't care about numbers, it was almost too hot to drink. In other words, the mug far exceeded my expectations. No more borderline spoiled beverages for me!

The Zojirushi SM-KA48PT isn't a perfect item. Disregarding the pinkish sparkles and all relevant connotations, however, it does more than a respectable job as an insulated travel mug. I actually have to make my tea early and let it sit in an uncovered mug for half an hour before screwing on the lid to avoid scalding my mouth with the first sip. Usually, I hurriedly cap it and toss it into a side bag, where it is jostled to high heaven as I race to clock in on time. One commute later? Zero spillage. My workdays have just gotten that much better. Really.

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