Kingston Technology Press Release

Unique U3 Platform Transforms Ordinary USB Drives into Smart, Versatile Devices, Able to Create Secure Portable Workspaces That Store U3 Smart Applications

[19 September 2005]  Kingston Technology, the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products, today announced the rollout of its new U3 DataTraveler line of USB smart drives, initially shipping in 512-MB and 1-GB capacities.

“With the launch of the Kingston Technology U3 DataTraveler, we are opening up a whole new world of smart drive computing whereby any PC user moving between various locations and Windows 2000 SP4 or XP-based systems has the freedom to work with their own personal workspace - carried on a device small enough to fit on a keychain,” said, Jim Selby, Product Marketing Manager EMEA, Kingston Technology.

“Our goal is to allow the portable computing experience to be available to nearly anyone without the need to carry the traditional notebook or PDA - and with the U3 DataTraveler, this is a significant step in making that a reality, ” he continued.

U3 chief executive officer Kate Purmal commented “Mobile workers will be thrilled to access personal e-mail, photo organisers, music players, graphics software and productivity applications on their U3 smart drives wherever they go,”

“By building its new U3 DataTraveler smart drive from the U3 platform, Kingston Technology offers consumers and professionals private and secure access to their personal workspace, all with the renowned performance and durability of the Kingston Technology brand.” Purmal concluded.

Work Confidently and Securely
Based on the innovative U3 smart drive computing platform, the Kingston Technology U3 DataTraveler creates a secure workspace. Built into the smart drive, the U3 Launchpad; similar to a Start Menu, allows the user to launch programs; add/remove software; change computer settings or preferences; manage storage capacity and monitor programs. The combination of a new U3 smart drive platform and Kingston Technology’s popular DataTraveler, offers consumers more than portable file/data storage.

These drives can be personalised with software that is relevant to the way they work—conveniently carrying and launching a wide variety of U3 smart software applications including productivity, multimedia, backup/security, games, medical, utilities, photo imaging and graphic design software available at www.u3.com as well as via one click directly from the U3 Launchpad.

Compatible with both Windows 2000 SP4 and XP, the new U3 DataTraveler smart drive solutions offer password-protected data security, a five-year warranty and free 24/7 technical support.

Available mid-October, U3 DataTraveler units are colour-coded in silver with purple grips for the 512-MB version and silver with black grips for 1-GB capacities.

Features/Specifications
Dimensions – 2.64” x 0.80” x 0.35” (66.9mm x 20.4mm x 9.0mm)
Operating Temperature – 32º F to 140º F (0º C to 60º C)
Storage Temperature – -4º F to 185º F (-20º C to 85º C)
Efficient – Data transfer rates of up to 6MB/sec. read and up to 3 MB/sec write**
Compliant – Designed based on the U3 platform and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 specifications
Easy to Use – Intuitive U3 Launchpad runs U3 smart software applications, manages functions and cleans up activities on the host system
Flexible – U3 Launchpad can operate in six languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Japanese
Secure – Includes password protection when used with Windows 2000 SP4 and XP systems.
Convenient – Pocket-sized for easy transportability
Simple – Plug and play into any available USB port
Guaranteed – Five-year warranty
Practical – End cap fits neatly on device base to prevent damage
Fashionable-Available in two colours, 512/MB silver with purple grips; 1GB silver with black grips
For more information on Kingston Technology digital media products, please visit www.kingston.com/digitalmedia

* U3 Launchpad uses approximately 6 MB of storage capacity and thus is not available for data storage. Please note: some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions. Some devices may not support all of the options listed. Consult your owner’s manual for supported configurations. For more information, please consult Kingston’s Digital Media Guide at Kingston.com/Digital_Media_Guide.

** Speed may vary due to host and device configuration.

About U3
U3 LLC of Redwood City, Calif., has developed an innovative platform to make USB smart drives that host a “personal workspace” –- not only data and files, but software programs, personal user preferences and the means for managing them. U3 powered smart drives transform a PC into a truly personalized computer, quickly, easily and securely, and exit transparently when done. U3, backed by USB flash drive market leaders M-Systems (NASDAQ: FLSH) and SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), licenses its platform to USB drive manufacturers. For more information see www.U3.com.

About Kingston Technology
Kingston Technology is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Kingston Technology operates manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, Taiwan, China and Fountain Valley, Calif., including Payton Technology Corp., Kingston Technology’s back-end processing facility supporting memory packaging, test and logistics. With the advent of Payton, Kingston Technology supports all memory processing functions from receipt of wafer to completed module. Kingston Technology serves a network of distributors, OEMs and retail customers in more than 3,000 locations worldwide.