The search for the ultimate memory stick

So it appears my unfeasably small OCZ stick is now residing on the bottom of the Cam. So I'd like to get a new one.

I've never really liked any of the sticks I've had in the past so maybe you guys could help me out.

* Something that's one piece, no end caps to lose like the Corsair Flash Voyager.
* Secure part to attach to a keyring (ie not cheap flimsy plastic that breaks off like the OCZ)
* Size: 4GB and up

That's not an unreasonable list is it?

Well, I did a quick search on Newegg and came up with another Corsair model. It's certainly bulkier than your average device, but probably pretty sturdy.

What I'd really love is a common name for these things. I called them "thumb drives" for years, but now it seems "flash drive" has taken over as the most popular. I'm just saying because I was a little confused by the title of your thread because I thought you were looking for RAM suggestions

It appears a trip to Costco has yielded a winner. The Sandisk Micro 4GB has a USB connector which retracts into the body of unit, and although the body is plastic, the retaining pin for keyring is metal. All for a tenner, which can't be bad.

Something like this?
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11539

I was just looking at these today. Was about the best pick from DX. Personally I think you need some kind of protection for the connector, which means either retractable or folding it away somehow like this one. Bit hard to tell how sturdy it really is from the photos.

I've got one of the ultra thin USB sticks and just keep it in my wallet.

I got one of those, SanDisk has a program to remove the U3 crap:

http://www.sandisk.com/Retail/Default.aspx?CatID=1415

How about the Imation Clip Flash Drive?

Also try looking at the different items posted at Engadget, I've linked the the item tag "flash drive" if you click on the story title you can see other tags given and try them.

If you want to get an idea of the vast array of available usb thumb drive designs, look at some of the web sites selling promotional usb drives.

Google search
http://www.customusb.com/products-flashdrive.html
http://www.ipromo.com/?fuseaction=subcategory.main&categoryid=1