Freecom USBClip storage device

The Freecom USBClip – available in sizes from 2GB to 32GB – can store bundles of digital and paper documents together discreetly: it is a both a USB memory key and a paperclip.

As a disk, the Clip worked well, transmitting data quickly over its USB 2 connection. In its other guise it worked very well too, comfortably holding several sheets of 70gsm A4 paper.

Because of its size and shape, the device's USB connection makes contact with only the bottom half of the USB socket on a computer, which felt unusual at first but became second nature. Our concern with this design is that it leaves the USB contact exposed when it's not in use, meaning that it could be damaged quite easily.

It's small, generally (measuring 3cmx1.2cmx0.4cm), which is both a plus and a minus point: it's easy to carry around but also easy to lose.

The Freecom USBClip's minimal design is definitely good-looking but it comes at the slight expense of data security and integrity, in terms of losing the disk or the contacts becoming damaged.

Our review unit, with 4GB of storage space, was good value at under £10 online.