Obviously, the more information a USB key can hold, the more expensive it is. But, I was wondering if it really costs that much more to manufacture larger keys. Physically, they seem to be the same size to me.

You've got to cram more of the Flash chip in that space, so it's bound to be more expensive.

 

Just like how a laptop can have the same specs as a desktop, but be more expensive, solely because it's harder to design something that can fit all those components into such a small case.

but, if you've already got, say 512mb of memory available, how much more would it be to make double that flash chip? In terms of material cost, I can't see why it would cost that much more.

Because as long as you think memory is expensive to make, they can charge whatever they want.

If the 512MB takes up the same form factor, you've got to make everything half as big for a 1GB one, which would cost alot more in terms of dev (I know this isn't 100% true, but extream advantage)...

It's almost moot anymore. I bought an LG 1GB drive at Sam's for $49 3 or 4 months ago and now I see xPCGear has 1GB drives for $24. Flash drive prices are falling like a rock.....

It's almost moot anymore. I bought an LG 1GB drive at Sam's for $49 3 or 4 months ago and now I see xPCGear[/url'] has 1GB drives for $24. Flash drive prices are falling like a rock.....

 

That's pretty good. I got a 1gb drive for free in a raffle, but I lost it. I'm looking to replace it, but I was pretty shocked by how much they're charging in stores.

Look for deals on Dealtime or Slickdeals... I have a 2GB one that cost $60

I have a 1GB one for £15 (~$30), got that online through scan.co.uk here's an example:

http://scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=153762

although that is not what I have, just an example of a cheap 1GB USB.

 

You should also check ebay. Make sure it's new and sealed.

That's pretty good. I got a 1gb drive for free in a raffle, but I lost it. I'm looking to replace it, but I was pretty shocked by how much they're charging in stores.

 

try this

 

http://www.newegg.com !!!!!

 

 

ps anyone know how to do a link to were it says "here or something??

Yeah, you want to use the URL tags. It looks like this:

 

Click here for google[/ url]

 

(without the space at the end)

give this:

 

Click here for google

If the 512MB takes up the same form factor, you've got to make everything half as big for a 1GB one, which would cost alot more in terms of dev (I know this isn't 100% true, but extream advantage)...

 

Given a set of steppers, it is always 100 percent true. The pricing model for IC fabrication is almost identical to that in the printing and press industry.