Introduction

I would like to thank A-DATA for supplying the review sample. The company produces some very unique and useful memory products, ranging from a complete offering of notebook and desktop memory over memory cards in various shapes, sizes and speeds to USB storage in many flavors. A-DATA also has licenses to produce such memory devices with themes of Pirates of the Carribbian and Disney.

From the manufacturer:

• Enhanced for Windows® ReadyBoost™
• Aluminum Material
• Easy carry cap design
• Streamline shape
• Desktop or laptop computer with USB port
• One of following operating systems Windows®: 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista™ or later Mac®: OS 9.0 or later Linux™: Kernel 2.4 or later
• For driver for Windows® 98 and AP software
• Size: 73x22x11 mm (LxWxH)
• Weight: 19g

Packaging

The A-DATA PD16 comes packaged in clear plastic, with a cardboard divider, which seperates the memory device from the USB cable compartement. The front features a sticker, which lets the potential buyer know what size he or she will be getting. The A-DATA PD16 goes up to 16GB, thus the number 16 in the model name. The back lists all the features in different languages. Seems like A-DATA has chosen to do some very literal translation from English to German. The term "hot plug & play" was translated word for word, which does not make any sense in German.


Inside the package you will find the memory stick and a short USB cable, so you will not always have to reach all the way around to the back of the computer.

A Closer Look

The overall size of the PD16 can be described as very traditional. This becomes aparent when placed next to a first generation USB 1.1 memory stick and a 256MB USB 2.0 device.


The memory device is made of black plastic and aluminum. This results in some great build quality. The front features a A-DATA logo along with the company's website adress. The back does not have any additional writing or logos.


The USB connector is covered with a cap, which is made of the same materials as the rest of the PD16 housing. It comes off with some gentle force. You will not have to worry about loosing the cap during normal transportation.


The PD16 is not completely symetrical. The bottom features some black plastic. The aluminum is folded around the entire USB memory stick. The back features a big enough hole to pass even thick strings through. You can also secure the cap on the back of the device, reducing the risk of misplacing it during operation.