random questions/advice

[DavidNZ]

Hi everyone -

A couple of rather general questions - i'm seeking advice:

1. I can get a 1GB usb flash drive for as little as NZ$200 (Adata My Flash), but some models cost almost twice as much as that. Am I getting what I pay for with USB keys. My current one is 256MB and only USB 1.1, so it's time.

2. Has anyone come across a website that explains how to shorten a standard USB 2.0 cable? Reason I ask is that I travel with a portable HDD and the cable i use to connect doesn't really need to be any longer than, say, 4 inches max.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

D