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transferring files larger than 64 MB didn’t work, but the larger targets completed the task and nothing bad happened to the old drive; the LED status light merely turned red. Smaller files transferred just fine, if somewhat slower than the transfers to the other drives. You aren’t limited to flash devices either. You can use any USB storage device, even a USB hard drive.

Using the Transfer Express is truly easy, but you must follow a few simple rules. The device will transfer files to a folder called target that it creates on the target drives. It will copy files only on the source drive inside a folder named source. This also works in reverse when collecting files from the targets. The automatic copy works on files only within the specified directo-ries. However, the device can format and delete files, and this will affect all files in all folders. Additionally, during a batch transfer, files can be overwrit-ten to the target directory. Before relying on the Transfer Express, you’ll want to ensure that your students understand file naming conventions and how to store their assignments with unique names in the correct folder.

Hamilton’s USB Transfer Express is a great concept boosted by solid execution. Any teacher accepting or

giving digital assignments can save hours when prepping and collecting them. If your students also use the company’s MP3 devices, they’ll have secure digital storage that should work with virtually any system they have at home, in the school lab, or in the library. Additionally, they’ll have a serviceable recorder for capturing lectures, notes, or impromptu interviews as well as a personal music and speech playback device.

In schools with one-to-one laptop programs, every classroom should have a Transfer Express (with or without the MP3 devices). For schools with more limited computer access, the Transfer Express might be even more critical, and units should be considered for the computer lab and media centers at the very least.

Hamilton USB Transfer Express
$899 (no drives)
$1,399 (with 15 1 GB MP3 player/recorders)
www.hamiltonelectronics.com

J.V. Bolkan is the acquisitions editor for ISTE’s book publishing group. He’s a former senior editor on L&L and has written hundreds of product reviews for dozens of publications in the educational and