Buffalo on Wednesday became one of the first companies to offer a 32GB flash storage stick that should be both portable and quick. The SHD-U32GS fits 32GB of data into the same space as the company's existing 16GB version while maintaining the same speed. In-house technology known as TurboUSB boosts transfer speeds 20 percent past other external flash drives, Buffalo claims. The U32GS is also ruggedized and includes both a clip and a switch to prevent an accidental data wipe.

The 32GB storage works with most any operating system but includes software for Windows to take advantage of the extra space for automated backups or to set aside part of the drive for a hidden, password-locked storage space. Buffalo ships the drive first to Japan in the next few days at an equivalent price of $286. A North American version is possible with the company's US presence but is unknown; the company currently lists a maximum of 8GB for American flash drives. [via Akihabara]