Introduction

A-Data is most well known for making top notch overclocker memory. Little less known is that they make different storage products too, for example USB sticks with a Disney license. In time for the World Cup 2006 this Football Disk has been created which seems to be a great gift for all the soccer enthusiasts around.

From the manufacturer A-DATA:

• Support USB specification version 2.0.
• Transferring rate up to 480Mb/s for “High Speed” transmission
• Hot Plug & Play
• LED indicator when Rubber Disk is in use
• Durable solid-state storage
• Support power saving mode to reduce power consumption
• Support Windows ME, 2000 and XP without device driver
• Support Driver for Windows 98/98 SE
• Driverless solution for Linux Kernel version 2.4 or later version
• Driverless for Mac OS 9.X or up
• Capacity：128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB
• Warranty：Lifetime
• Size：59.2*21.66*14.34mm
• Weight：Max 16 g

Packaging

Like most other USB sticks the A-DATA Football Disk comes in a sealed blister pack to protect against theft in stores. As always when reviewing a product in a blister pack I have to complain about the risk of injuries, even though I'm slowly working out a method to do it safely.


Inside the package you find the USB stick of course. In addition you get a nice 1m USB extension cable, so you won't have to crawl under your desk if you don't have front USB ports in your case. Also included is a little metal chain which can be attached to the drive.
Manuals or Drivers are not included but are not needed anyway. On the A-DATA website you can find a driver for Windows 9x, if you are a decade behind current technology.


Included with the package is a little plastic football guy which can be attached to the USB stick with the included chain.

The Stick

A-DATA's Football Disk is available in red and black. As you can see we tested the red version. The whole stick is encased in a rubber like plastic material which is a bit soft, and seems to be able to absorb quite a bit of damage.


One of the "balls" is removable. It goes off easily, but is fixed well enough that it can't get lost accidentally.


The USB connector inside is completely standard. Given the dimensions of the stick it will even fit tighter connector spaces.


When the drive is accessed. A small green LED in one of the balls shows activity.