Intelligent Stick for $29.99

Returning to the subject of the little grocery store that isn't just a grocery store, I'd like to point your attention to the fact that Aldi has been recently carrying the PQi Intelligent Stick 1 GB USB key for just $29.99. I picked mine up about a week ago, and have been meaning to say something on here ever since — I'm not sure if they have any left, but if you want one, you might take a gander at your local Aldi. Ask at the checkout if you don't see them on display as they've been keeping them in the back room to avoid theft.

Why would you want this USB key? Well, let's just say it isn't simply a large capacity stick, it is also a very small stick, somewhere between an SD card and a Memory Stick card in size. I've had a 128 meg I-Stick for about a year (which, oddly enough, I discovered for $19.99 at the Home Depot), and I find it indispensable. It is small enough that it comes with a credit card shaped protector that can hold two of the keys and then slip into the credit card section of your wallet. Because of that convenient method of carrying the key, I always have it when I need it, which was not the case with other USB keys I have, which, at best, generally can be carried in one's pocket (another thing to remember to stuff in there in the morning) or attached to a lanyard (do I really want to wear my storage device?).

The i-Stick is also really durable. I had my 128 meg stick slip out of my case into my pocket, without noticing it, a few weeks ago. I only discovered it after it had been washed and dried. I let it sit in a warm, dry place for a few days and found afterward it was no worse for wear (my data was all intact!).

If you can't guess, I highly recommend this USB key, should you be in the market. How can you beat it for under thirty bucks?