I have an all-in-one hp laserjet 3030 and an hp deskjet 5940. Can I plug it into one of those or is there a place in the hard drive?
September 6, 2010
September 3, 2010
Usb Memory Sticks: the Benefit of Using Memory Sticks to Distribute Your Documents
Your printer is always thirsty for ink and you eat through reams of paper for presentations. Why not take your presentation to the next level? Use customized USB flash drives imprinted with your company’s logo for your next presentation. Leave the personalized flash drive with the client so they can refer back to it at any time. You save on paper and printing, they get a lightweight, personalized USB presentation.
The benefits of using custom USB drives for presentations are numerous, both for you and for your client.
Benefits for you:
• Updates can be made at the last minute
• Much more complete information can be left with the client
• Printing costs plummet
Benefits for your client:
• All of your presentation information is at their fingertips
• They can easily email your presentation to others in their company
• They don’t have to carry one hundred pages to review your presentation
• If hard copies are needed, they can print their own
Bulk flash drives imprinted with your company’s logo can be loaded with all kinds of company information tailored to your client or prospective client. Imagine being able to leave your PowerPoint presentation with your voice narrating it. You can also leave an audio copy of the actual question and answer part of your presentation. Add a link to your company’s website. Include a one-click link to email you directly. These are just a few ways to make the most out of your personalized flash drive presentations.
Personalized USB drives can be completely tailor-made for each recipient. Of course, you can change the names in the documents on the custom USB flash drives. But you can also include all of the technical specifications for the Chief Engineering Officer or all of your company’s catalogs for the purchasing officer. The options are virtually endless.
Also, be sure to leave memory space on the custom USB flash drives for the client to use. The client will enjoy the ease of saving documents related to your company right on the personalized USB you gave them. This means leaving the client at least 500mb of memory on your custom USB presentations.
Your company can even email updated information with instructions on how to save to their personalized USB drive. By doing this, you can keep the client up-to-date on price changes, new items, special offers, and more. If you are dealing with a client who is not computer-literate enough to complete these updates, stop by their office and update their personalized USB drives yourself. This is also a great way to get regular face-time with your customers.
Custom USB flash drives that have been personalized to fit each individual client are a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to leave a lasting presentation.
Pamela Lund operates BespokeUSB.com, which sells
custom USB flash drives.
August 21, 2010
What is the most Popular Type of Branded USB Memory Stick
With hundreds of thousands of USB Memory sticks being purchased every year by Companies in all different business sectors its interesting to consider which type of memory stick most of them buy and why.
Branded and Promotional USB Memory Sticks come in all different shapes and sizes, some small, some large, some with caps, some that retract and some with a “twisting” cover. Most accommodate lanyards or key rings, some are manufactured from plastic, and some from metal and increasingly some are made from recycled materials like wood or bamboo.
Its also possible to have a bespoke branded USB Memory stick that is say made in the shape of one of your companies products, e.g. a wine bottle, a car, pretty much anything you can think of.
But, despite this the most popular promotional USB memory sticks used by companies, organisations, schools and universities to promote their brand, to use as “giveaways” to hand out to their staff or students remains the USB “Twister” model (also referred to as the Swivel model).
Like most great designs it’s the simplicity that makes this particular memory stick a winner. It carries the printed brand well, its relatively small, it works with a lanyard and/or key ring but most importantly there is no cap to lose! It seems that these simple elements and the ability to offer companies a different colour body shell (optionally pantone matched to a companies brand) make it a real favourite.
The launch of the “retractable” USB Memory stick looked as though it might threaten the crown of the “twister” but this has not proven to be the case and its dominance prevails.
So, if you’re considering USB Memory sticks as a promotional item and you want to know what’s working for most companies then, based on what’s happening in the market, it’s the Twister!
Phil is part of the team at USBNow and USB2U. These companies are specialist suppliers of USB Products including Branded USB Flash Drives
August 20, 2010
Branded Usb Memory Sticks ? When Is A Chip Not A Chip?
With the growing popularity of Branded USB Memory sticks, there are a number of providers springing up to support this. However, there is a hidden issue that any potential buyer needs to be aware of, that not all providers are that transparent with.
In essence there are 3 components to any Branded USB Memory sticks, the flash chip (the brains), the circuit board and the body of the USB Memory stick itself.
Whilst the circuit board and body are pretty standard across the industry, there is a wide variation of USB Flash chips. In summary these can be classified as follows:
Grade A: Original ‘branded’ USB flash chips
These flash chips are made by leading global brands such as Samsung, Hynix, Intel, Micro. They will print their name and unique series number on each chip.
These are tested to a high QA tolerance and come with a full warranty. They are the most reliable, but come at a premium price and are the most expensive USB Flash chips in the market.
Grade B: OEM flash chips
These USB flash chips are made from the main chip providers, but do not carry any branding or warranties. They are as reliable as the branded flash chips, but come at a discounted rate.
Grade C: Downgraded flash chips
There is a wastage of chips from the main manufactures, from a combination of the chip cutting process and QA failures. These are sold in bulk to third parties, who aim to recycle and sell on. There is a high failure rate on these USB Memory sticks, up to 40% in some instances. However the low price also reflects this.
Grade D: Masked chips
Finally we have fake / counterfeits USB Memory chips. This is when port quality chips are programmed to mask the real size of the memory. For example, a memory stick may show that it is 1Gb, but could actually be a 128Mb chip. The only way that a user would find out the problem exists is if they try to load data that is over the actual chip capacity. The prices offered are extremely low and reflect the cost of the actual chip set used.
So in summary, ensure the supplier informs you in writing what type of chip they are providing. If it is a mission critical or high profile project, it’s worth paying for Grade A branded chip. However, Grade B would suffice for most promotional campaigns.
One final point if the price for the Branded USB Memory sticks sound too good to be true or out of sync with other quotes then there is a high probability of them being Grade C or D chips.
Phil is part of the team at USB2U. USB2U is a specialist supplier of Branded and Promotional USB Memory Sticks. We offer fast turnaround times, excellent advice and support and free design and mock-ups. If you are considering Branded Memory Sticks or want custom USB memory sticks then please contact us – we ‘d be delighted to hear from you “
August 9, 2010
Lanyard USB Memory Sticks ? Ideal for Seminars and Conferences
If you’ve got a seminar, conference or sales kick-off meeting coming up soon then no doubt you’ll be thinking about all of the logistical issues that need putting in place to ensure the event runs smoothly. These events can, for the organiser(s) at least, be a thankless task, not helped by the fact that there are so many elements to consider, plan for, book and get right.
Whether is a small local conference or a global sales kick-off meeting the challenges and risks are broadly similar albeit some of the larger ones, because of the brands involved and the potential for media coverage have the potential to go spectacularly wrong! Guarding against potential failure and ensuring you keep your job (and sanity) whilst at the same time hoping and trusting that everyone delivers what they have promised will inevitably lead to many a sleepless night.
Do a good job and the plaudits and the inevitable bouquet of flowers should follow. Get it wrong then depending on the scale of error your reputation, job and career could be at risk – the job of “conference organisers” is certainly akin to the circus plate spinner albeit there are typically more than just a few cheap china plates at risk.
One of the smaller things to consider as part of any conference is how the delegates are identified (name badges, lanyards etc.) and how you supply them with any copy slides, presentation materials, media files etc. These could of course be printed but then you have the added overhead of organising the printing, the compilation of the packs and the distribution of the packs. The then delegates have the “hassle” of carrying large amounts of printed material around with them and potentially taking this back to the other side of the planet!
An easy way to combine both is to use a branded USB Lanyard. These relatively new products can be printed with your brand or logo on, they come with clips and loops to carry a name tag and/or access pass and even better they can be pre-loaded with all of the delegate packs, presentation files and movie files. Not only that but they look great and they come in a range of colours to compliment any brand.
Whilst these branded USB lanyards are not a panacea to all of the problems and challenges that conference organisers face they do have the potential to make the life of a conference organiser a little easier.
Phil is part of the team at USB2U. Launched in 2002 USB2U has now establised iteself as one of the leading supplier of branded flash drives and custom USB memory sticks in the UK. USB2U offer a free design and mock up service couple with great prices and outstanding customer support. Contact us today for a quote. We’d love to hear from you.
August 2, 2010
August 1, 2010
Promotional USB Memory Sticks – A Glossary Of Terms
If you are thinking of purchasing Branded USB Memory sticks, then the terminology and industry jargon used can be daunting and confusing. To help demystify the purchasing and manufacturing process here’s a glossary of terms, which should help.
Artwork: This needs to be provided so the USB Memory Stick can carry your logo and/or marketing message. There are many different file types in which artwork can be saved as. The preferred formats for the printers or factory because they provide the sharpest print are ai (adobe illustrator) or eps (photoshop) and, ideally, these should be in a vectorised format.
Auto Run: An autorun facility allows files to be run automatically as soon as the USB memory stick is inserted into a USB port on a PC. This is useful if you want to take the user directly to your own promotional video for example. A note of caution though – if you do want the recipient of your USB Memory stick use it over and over again “auto-run” files can be off putting as they won’t be able to access their data until they have waited for the autorun to run!
Carabineer Keyrings: Also known as snap link, snap hook, D ring or ‘biner”. These function like a climber’s carabineer. Great for attaching onto bags or lap top cases. Unlike most small key rings they are also big enough to carry a brand or logo.
Data Encryption: This is software that can be added to your Branded Memory Stick. It allows any data on the stick to be fully encrypted (scrambled). This means that if you lose the Memory Stick it would be very difficult for anyone to access the data held on it without the appropriate password.
Data Load: If you have files or data that you want to provide the user with then this data can be loaded during the manufacturing process. The data can be supplied in any format with the most common data formats being MPEG’s, PDF’s and Powerpoint Presentations. Any loaded data can also be protected so that the user cannot delete it.
Drive Partition: This creates two virtual “drives”. It can only be done during the manufacture process. One drive partition can hold data that cannot be deleted (protected) and the other can be for saving and storing data.
Embossing: Sometimes knows as “stamping” this technique adds a logo onto Leather USB Flash Drives.
Engraving: This is the process of adding a logo onto metal USB Flash Drives. The results can be fantastic. Engraving is very durable and is the recommended option for branding on all metal cased USB Memory sticks
Full Colour Print: A process that allows full photo quality print rather than simple “spot colour” print. Not available on all models of USB memory stick or from all suppliers but if done correctly the results can be stunning.
Lanyard: a cord with an attached hook that is used to hold the promotional USB Flash Drive. Sometimes know as neckties.
Memory: You would usually refer to the memory of a Promotional USB Flash Drive simply as ‘memory’, but others terms use are ‘capacity’ and ‘storage.’ The memory sizes come in a range if different sizes. They double up as follows, 32Mb, 64Mb, 128Mb, 256Mb, 512Mb, 1Gb, 2Gb, 4Gb, 8Gb and 16Gb.
1GB of memory is the most popular size but its useful to know exactly how many files this would hold.
Some technical jargon:
1024KB (kilobyte) = 1MB (megabyte) 1024MB =1GB (gigabyte) A good quality photo is about 100KB An MP3 music file is about 3MB upwards A document file can be anywhere from 25Kb upwards
Mock Up: An image illustrating the USB flash drive with your logo file. A further proof would be provided prior to production.
MOQ: Minimum Order Quantity
Pantone Reference: All colours have a specific reference will allows printers to match any logo colours. These 3 or 4 digit references must be provided with the artwork.
Proof: This is a visual of the chosen Flash Drive. It details the layout, size and colours in the logo. It is important that the proof is checked closely.
Silk Screen Printing: The most common method of printing onto USB Flash Drives. This option usually offers up to 4 colours to be printed to 1 position. Sometimes know as “Spot Print”
Tagging: This is the term used to label a drive letter on a USB memory stick. For example rather than having the generic ‘removable drive’ title, you could add a company name or short message.
USB: Universal Serial Bus. This is an industry standard introduced to allow peripherals to be used across all desktop and laptops.
USB Flash Drive: The most commonly used term but others include:USB memory stick, USB pen drive, USB key drive, USB jump drive, USB thumb drive and USB drive.
USB 2.0: The main primary difference between 2.0 and the previous standard of 1.1 is that the 2.0 USB Memory sticks are faster. USB 2.0 averages a data rate of 480 Mbps (megabits per second) while USB 1.1 only hits 12 Mbps, which make 2.0 about 40 time faster. All new memory sticks should be USB 2.0.
Phil is part of the team at USBNow and USB2U. These companies are specialist suppliers of USB Products including Branded USB Flash Drives
July 25, 2010
Why Chose A Usb Memory Stick For Your Next Promotional Product?!
The USB Memory Stick Revolution!
Who can remember the days before USB memory sticks?? They were the days of ISDN, 3.5″ floppy discs and the infancy of the internet!
In the last 7 or 8 years the USB memory stick has firmly planted its feet in the promotional product world as one of the best selling items. But why you may ask? There are a few things to remember:
Cheaper Memory
The first USB sold by my company Arcadia was an 8MB red USB. I remember it well because I sold it! An IT software client wanted some for a promotional product to co-inside with a new software product launch and I had to source some. At this time back around 2001, the cost for an 8MB memory stick was over the £10.00 mark! Now, due to the mass market nature of memory chip manufacturing, the prices are the lowest that the have ever been. Promotional USB memory sticks can easily be supplied up to 16GB and no doubt in the not too distant future will be supplied with even larger capacities.
Mobile Devices
The need to have information at your fingertips has increased dramatically in the last decade. Just think of how the basic mobile phone has developed and our desire and need for information mobility has increased with our daily expectations. The USB memory stick in the promotional market allows companies to produce corporate literature and save it quickly and easily to the USB stick. Specific presentations and information can be saved for each individual recipient quickly and easily.
Mobile Working
No longer are we chained to our desk if we need to work. Mobile broadband and laptops have ensured that we can work virtually anywhere. The USB stick allows us to transport files and information from the office to home to off-site meetings with no hassle.
The Green Issues
Promotional USB memory sticks are GREEN!
It is true – why print a brochure when you can save the data to a USB stick. A USB stick can carry recipient specific data, save on brochure print and mailing costs as well as carry your logo and message on the unit and the packaging for the recipient to look at an read time after time.
All USB sticks produced by Arcadia are RoHS, WEEE and REACH compliant. These government legislations prevent and hazardous substances being used in the production of the USBs, allows for the recycling of the units when the recipient no longer want them, and regulates the use of chemicals in the production of these goods.
The ability to automatically keep in touch
How would you like to be able to automatically update the content that is on the USB memory stick without having to get the unit back and re-load the information each time you change your company/product information. If this sounds good to you then you need the Sticky Drive!
The Sticky Drive allows you to remotely update the interface design, the video or other content seen inside the memory stick, and even change the documents that are loaded inside the drive.
You can receive tracking reports that deliver data on the frequency and types of use, including the number of times the drive is used, documents launched from the drive, and website click-through activity. The Sticky Drive is versatile: any content that is viewable on the Internet can be delivered through stickydrive. (Video, Slideshow, Flash presentation, animation, PowerPoint)
The functions available through stickydrive (music player, photo viewers, etc.) make this a valuable tool for the end user. Their entire experience remains branded, even when the drive is used for personal activities.
Regardless if you select a Sticky Drive or a standard promotional USB memory stick, you can be assured that this is a current hot selling item, will be used on a very regular basis and is a product that is here to stay in the promotional product marketplace no matter where you are in the world!
Steve Barnes is currently a Director of Arcadia Corporate Merchandise in the Marketing and Advertising industry in the UK. Arcadia is a Promotional Product distributor and a Sourcing company based in High Wycombe, UK. Basic branded promotional products as well as bespoke designed and manufactured items are supplied. In the promotional products industry since 1995 with Corinthian Marketing, Steve has been with Arcadia since its formation in 1998. A keen rugby player in his younger days enjoyed spells with Northampton Saints and Henley Hawks. Married with two daughters, life is now very different. As a keen motorsport fan, Steve enjoys his work with the F1 clients that Arcadia has. Arcadia specialises in web based corporate merchandise programmes and manages these on a global scale in conjunction with our partners Club Colors in Chicago, USA. Arcadia is currently launching PROMOB2B – a unique Merchandise Management System. For further information please visit: http://www.arcadiaonline.co.uk/promob2b.php The account management teams at Arcadia, service European accounts from the UK and are available for on-site meetings within the whole EMEA region. Online ordering systems can manage orders for all UK, EMEA and worldwide destinations. Other services available: * Storage and distribution * Incentive programmes * Brand management * Fulfilment and mailing services * In-house design service * In-house embroidery
Canada business directory
personal locator beacon
remote control monster trucks
bad credit auto loan
July 16, 2010
Top Ten Tips When Purchasing A Promotional Usb Memory Stick
The promotional product marketplace is flooded with printable promotional USB memory sticks, but what should you be considering before you purchase?
Tip 1 – What Grade is my Memory Chip?
Well here is the thing – did you know that there are varying qualities or USB memory chip. These chips are graded on the ability or not to use all of the quoted memory capacity. If you purchase your USB memory stick only on cost and purchase the cheapest one quoted, this may be cheaper because it has a lower quality memory chip. What does this mean to you?? Well, less memory than you supposedly paid for and the chance of losing some of the data and information that you have saved to the drive. Question your supplier on the quality of the chip.
Tip 2 – Do I need version 1.1 or 2.0?
Version 1.1 and version 2.0 are the two versions of USB stick that are available currently. You can tell what version a stick is by looking at the silver colour connector end. The different version have different data transferring speeds with version 2.0 being the faster and the better.
Tip 3 – RoHS Compliance – do not be caught out!
RoHS stands for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Promotional USB memory sticks are just one of thousands of items that have to comply with this legislation. This is applied to items manufactured outside the EU and any item being imported into the UK must have this certification. Look for the RoHS tick on the product – if you do not have it you could be prosecuted. By purchasing through Arcadia you know that you are covered!
Tip 4 – WEEE Compliance – Know your responsibility
The WEEE directive is aimed at encouraging reuse and recycling, and minimising the negative environmental aspects of disposal. The Directive sets targets that 65% of IT equipment must be recycled, and materials such as CRT’s (monitors), LCD displays, printed circuit boards, batteries and flame retardant plastics be pre-treated before disposal. All USB memory sticks must be supported by a WEEE recycling scheme which allows the end user or recipient of the promotional USB stick to return it for ethical recycling. Again if your USB stick is not WEEE compliant, then you could be prosecuted. By purchasing through Arcadia you know that you are covered!
Tip 5 – REACH Compliance – What do you need to know??
REACH is a new European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use within industy. It deals with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances. This new law came into force on 1st June 2007.
The REACH legislation is designed to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances. At the same time, innovative capability and competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry should be enhanced. The benefits of the REACH system will come gradually, as more and more substances are phased into REACH. By purchasing through Arcadia you know that you are covered!
Tip 6 – Know your branding options
Consider what type of design you want to be oriented or engraved onto the USB stick and choose accordingly. These are hundreds of different styles available and each has a maximum number of colours that is can be printed with. Ask your distributor for assistance is the selection fo the model most suited to your logo or design.
Tip 7 – Pre-load your content
Do not be left with the laborious job of loading your presentations onto the USB sticks yourself the night before they are to be given out. Many of the Chinese factories that produce the memory sticks will pre-load your information onto each USB saving you time, money and hassle!
Tip 8 – Think about the presentation and packaging
The manner in which a promotional product is packaged often can increase the perceived value of the item. These are a number of rigid plastic boxes and tins available to package the USB stick. This also can be used to add another corporate message, logo or web address that may not be on the memory stick itself. Four colour process imagery can easily be added by producing a sleeve to fit over the box.
Tip 9 – Ensure the USB stick is retained
Make sure that you stick is the one that your customer or prospect uses on a daily basis. Ensure that the memory size is sufficient for their needs. Make sure that the design is printed well and that the style of USB is up to date and relevant to your company.
Tip 10 – Know your recipient, your event and chose accordingly!!
The style of USB memory stick that you select is very important. Do not choose the one that you have seen hundreds of times before – there is a good chance that one of your competitors has produced that one in the past! Know who you are targeting and what their preference might be. Try linking in the style of the USB to the event – there are many shapes and styles to select from.
Steve Barnes is currently a Director of Arcadia Corporate Merchandise in the Marketing and Advertising industry in the UK.
Arcadia is a Promotional Product distributor and a Sourcing company based in High Wycombe, UK. Basic branded promotional products as well as bespoke designed and manufactured items are supplied.
In the promotional products industry since 1995 with Corinthian Marketing, Steve has been with Arcadia since its formation in 1998. A keen rugby player in his younger days enjoyed spells with Northampton Saints and Henley Hawks. Married with two daughters, life is now very different. As a keen motorsport fan, Steve enjoys his work with the F1 clients that Arcadia has.
Arcadia specialises in web based corporate merchandise programmes and manages these on a global scale in conjunction with our partners Club Colors in Chicago, USA.
Arcadia is currently launching PROMOB2B – a unique Merchandise Management System. For further information please visit: http://www.arcadiaonline.co.uk/promob2b.php
The account management teams at Arcadia, service European accounts from the UK and are available for on-site meetings within the whole EMEA region. Online ordering systems can manage orders for all UK, EMEA and worldwide destinations.
Other services available:
* Storage and distribution
* Incentive programmes
* Brand management
* Fulfilment and mailing services
* In-house design service
* In-house embroidery
July 12, 2010
Can you delete files from pre-loaded Promotional USB Memory sticks?
Picture the scenario. You have just taken receipt of your bright new USB Branded Memory sticks for an event that is due to commence in 2 days. You load the first of the USB Memory Sticks into your PC and to your horror you discover that the data has been loaded incorrectly or there is an error with the original information provided. Apart from putting a wet towel over you head what options do you have? He’s a list of things that may help:
Try to minimise the risk of this happening in the first place. Ensure your Custom USB supplier provides you with screen grabs of the data for sign off. Ideally ask for a pre-production sample of your Branded USB Memory sticks with the data preload. This way there little risk of any issues in the future.
1.If the data is not protected or has an autorun. Then there are some easy solutions:
• Delete the data from the memory sticks and re-load. Doing these individually is a painful and slow process and is not recommended for batches of over 100 units, unless you have an army of people to throw at this. This process is also prone to quality issues.
• There are several data duplication companies in the UK that can take the Branded Memory sticks and format and reload the data relatively easily and quickly. They can process up to 3000 memory sticks within a few hours. Job done.
2.The nightmare scenario! If the memory sticks are data-protected or have an autorun it becomes far more complex. No surprise, as by the very nature the Promotional USB Memory Sticks are engineered to stop end users doing exactly what you want to do, namely delete and change the data. The software required to do this will be dependant on the controller that the Branded Memory Stick has been loaded with. The controller is the mini operating system that all USB Memory sticks have. Again there are several options to resolve this.
• Return back to the manufacturer. They have the technology to format and reload the data, but the downside is that it will take time to return to the Far East, get them reloaded and shipped back. You would need to allow up to 2 weeks for this.
• Some USB Providers will have the software to allow the data to be deleted in the UK. If not, ask them to try to obtain from the manufacturer. This would allow them to delete the data. Then the next challenge would be reloading the data. The easiest thing to do would be to load the new data with no protection or an autorun. However, if this is a pre-requisite then there are a few UK Data Duplication companies that have the capabilities of loading the data with copy protection and autorun. Again this will be dependant on the controller that is on the Branded USB Memory Drive.
The moral of this story is to ensure that you minimise the risk of this happening, by having a pre-production sample produced. Otherwise you will be entering a very stressful process and that towel will continue to get wetter!
USB2U specialises in the supply of customised and printed USB products to many schools, universities, promotions companies, corporate Clients and local authorities.For further information, please visit http://www.usb2u.co.uk
USB2U specialises in the supply of customised and printed USB products to many schools, universities, promotions companies, corporate Clients and local authorities.For further information, please visit http://www.usb2u.co.uk