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Transcend Wireless 128MB JetFlash Review
Transcend Wireless 128MB JetFlash Review - PCSTATS
Solid state devices are putting the final chapters onto the life of the 1.44MB floppy disk, as they offer higher storage capacity, better resiliency, and lower cost per GB of storage.
 78% Rating:   
Filed under: Networking Published:  Author: 
External Mfg. Website: Transcend Jul 04 2004   Max Page  
Home > Reviews > Networking > Transcend TS128MJFWL

Testing the Trascend JetFlash

Simple Data Transfer Source: PCStats

We created one 100 dummy zip file and used Windows Explorer to drag and drop from the computer to the USB Flash Memory drive and back. A simple data transfer test, by any measure.

100MB File Transfer
Connection Time Ranking
Transcend JetFlash (Read) 94 sec
Transcend JetFlash (Write) 158 sec

It should not be any surprise that reading data from the USB thumbdrive is much faster than writing. It took 158 seconds to transfer a 100MB file to the Jetflash's memory though the USB 1.1 connection.

NetIQ Source: NetIQ

NetIQ's Qtest was used to measure the response time and average data throughput of the wireless network card communicating with a computer with a We timed the transfer of an 11.8MB file to give a real-world performance figure also.

Wireless Network NetIQ Tests

802.11b Tests Transcend JetFlash GN-WLBZ201 SMC reference card
Average Throughput 4.3 Mbps 3.7 Mbps 4.47 Mbps
Response Time 4 ms 6 ms 3ms
11.8Mb Test file transfer 24 sec 27 sec 22sec
802.11b Tests with 64-bit WEP
WEP Average Throughput 2.1 Mbps 2.3 Mbps 2.6 Mbps
WEP Response Time 4ms 7 ms 4ms
WEP 11.8Mb Test file transfer 47 sec 44sec 36sec

Here we see that without encryption the Transcend JetFlash supports an average throughput of 4.3 Mbps, and response time of 4ms. Bandwidth drops 50% once the 64 bit encryption is enabled which is to be expected. Every wireless network connection suffers a similar performance drop when WEP encryption is enabled.

Transcend's USB 1.1 JetFlash is an interesting alternative for those who have outgrown 1.44MB floppies. It not only offers 128MB of memory, but also doubles as a 802.11b wireless NIC, definitely a plus for any notebook or PC with at least one free USB connection. With a retail price of $95 CDN ($70 US), the Transcend Jetflash more expensive than a simple 128MB flash drive, or 802.11b NIC, alone but less expensive than both combined.

As a storage medium, the Jetflash performed as any USB1.1 thumbdrive would, as you can see from the test results above. Despite the small size the JetFlash performed just as well as other wireless USB adaptor, and reference SMC PCI card we tested. The response time with 64bit WEP enabled was 4ms, and the 4.3 Mbps connection (with encryption disabled) is sufficient for light data transfer, and totally fine for web surfing.

If you're looking for a USB thumb drive to replace that dusty pile of 1.44MB floppy disks, a unit with built in 802.11b wireless is a compelling option. On the flip side, if you're PC needs a USB-based wireless network card, why not look to a unit which also doubles as a flash drive!?

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Related Articles

Here are a few other articles that you might enjoy as well...

1. Crucial 256MB 'Gizmo' USB Hard Drive Review
2. 802.11b Wireless LAN Networking Roundup
3. Gigabyte GN-WLBZ201 USB/802.11b Dongle Review
4. Actiontec 802.11a 54Mbps Wireless Gear Review
5. Belkin Wireless 802.11b Networking Review

< Previous Page © 2023 PCSTATS.com Networking Reviews...»

 

Contents of Article: Transcend TS128MJFWL
 Pg 1.  Transcend Wireless 128MB JetFlash Review
 Pg 2.  — Testing the Trascend JetFlash

 
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