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Apricorn ASK3Z 32 GB USB 3.1 USB Stick

Apricorn 240 GB ASK3 USB Stick

Apricorn ASK3Z 128 GB USB 3.1 USB Stick

Apricorn ASK3 480 GB USB 3.1 USB Stick


A USB stick, also referred to as a USB drive, USB flash drive, flash drive, or memory stick, is a portable data storage device that connects via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. Compact, durable, and widely supported, USB sticks are used across industries in Australia for data backup, file transfers, and portable software applications.

## **How Do USB Sticks Work?**

A USB memory stick stores digital information using flash memory. Flash memory is a type of non-volatile storage, meaning data is retained even when power is removed.

Inside a USB storage device:

- A flash memory chip holds the data.
- A controller chip manages data transfer, wear levelling, and error correction.
- A [USB connector](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/choosing-the-right-usb-connector) (Type-A, Type-C, or Micro-USB) links the drive to a host device.

When connected, the host system detects the data stick as a mass storage device. Data is written to the flash cells in blocks. Modern flash sticks use techniques like single-level cell (SLC), multi-level cell (MLC), or triple-level cell (TLC) storage, which affect performance, endurance, and cost.

## **Applications Of USB Sticks**

### **Data Backup**

USB flash drives are used for quick, portable backup of critical files, often serving as a supplementary method alongside cloud storage.

### **File Transfer Between Devices**

A USB stick provides a simple way to move files between computers, printers, or industrial machines without network connectivity.

### **Running Portable Software**

A flash drive can be configured as a “live USB” to run operating systems, diagnostics software, or portable applications directly from the drive.

### **Media Storage**

USB memory sticks are commonly used to store and play music, particularly in car stereos or audio systems that accept USB inputs.

### **Presentations And Meetings**

Business professionals use data sticks to carry presentations, documents, and videos for use across multiple venues. They are also essential to a [home office setup](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/home-office-setup-guide).

### **Large File Transport**

With capacities up to multiple terabytes, USB storage devices remain one of the most convenient ways to transport large datasets, engineering files, or multimedia projects.

## **USB Stick Types**

USB sticks can be categorised by several characteristics:

### **By USB Standard**
- **USB 2.0:** Standard transfer speed up to 480 Mbps.
- **USB 3.0:** Faster transfer speed up to 5 Gbps.
- **USB 3.1 and USB 3.2:** Support speeds up to 10–20 Gbps, suitable for large data handling.

### **By Connector Type**
- **USB Type-A:** The traditional rectangular [connector type](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/computer-cables-connectors-guide), widely compatible.
- **USB Type-C:** Reversible connector, increasingly used in modern laptops and mobile devices.
- **Micro-USB:** Compact connector, less common today but still used in older devices.

### **By Physical Design**
- **With Cap:** Classic design with protective cap.
- **Retractable:** Sliding mechanism protects the connector.
- **Swivel Design:** Rotating metal cover for durability.
- **Waterproof or Ruggedised:** Sealed casings for harsh environments.

### **By Security Features**
- **Hardware Encryption:** On-board encryption to protect sensitive data.
- **Password Protection:** Requires authentication before access.

### **By Capacity**

USB memory devices are available in a range of capacities, typically:

- Entry level: 8 GB – 32 GB.
- Mid-range: 64 GB – 128 GB.
- High capacity: 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB+.

## **How To Choose USB Sticks**

When selecting a USB stick, consider:

- **Capacity:** Match to file size requirements (e.g., 32 GB for documents, 256 GB+ for large media).
- **Speed:** For frequent large file transfers, choose USB 3.0 or newer.
- **Connector type:** Ensure compatibility with the intended devices (USB-A, USB-C).
- **Durability:** For fieldwork, choose waterproof or ruggedised memory sticks.
- **Security:** Hardware-encrypted flash drives are recommended for sensitive data.
- **Cost:** Balance required capacity and speed with budget.

## **The Trusted Supplier Of USB Sticks In Australia**

RS is your dependable source for USB sticks in Australia. We also offer an extensive range of related storage solutions such as [SD cards](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/computing-peripherals/memory-data-storage/sd-cards/), [tool kits](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/hand-tools/tool-kits-tool-storage/tool-kits/), and [storage drawers](https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/access-storage-material-handling/storage-shelving/drawer-storage/). Our product range includes USB flash drives, memory sticks, data sticks, and flash sticks from trusted manufacturers like [Verbatim](https://au.rs-online.com/web/b/verbatim/), [Transcend](https://au.rs-online.com/web/b/transcend/), and [ATP](https://au.rs-online.com/web/b/atp/), ensuring reliable performance, durability, and broad device compatibility.

For more information on delivery timelines, nationwide service coverage, or purchasing support, please visit [our delivery page](https://au.rs-online.com/web/content/support/all-articles/delivery).



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