Going Against the Cloud Era? Three Reasons Why "Small Capacity USB Drives" Are Still Indispensable

Cloud, subscription, streaming. The act of "carrying around" files has decreased. Nevertheless, many people still have 1GB or 4GB small-capacity USB flash drives lying dormant in their drawers. Although they are often considered "useless" due to their small capacity and slow speed, there are actually uses that fit precisely because of their size.

Large-capacity external SSDs are reliable. However, they are a bit large to carry around all the time, and their prices are rising. The cloud is convenient, but it depends on connectivity and login. In a world where "large/fast/always online" is the norm, small-capacity USB flash drives can fill the gaps with ease.

Here, while considering the original article's intent, let's organize the three representative uses for small-capacity USB flash drives that allow them to remain "still active," along with reactions seen on social media.

1) Photos and MP3s: "Lightly carrying" is just right

The most straightforward use for small-capacity USB flash drives is to carry "light data" such as photos and music. Even with around 4GB, you can store a considerable number of compressed photos, and MP3s can easily fit in playlists.

The key here is to accept "not putting everything in."
For example, on a trip, only the photos you want to share with family, or for a presentation, only the images and audio for distribution. By packing only what you need, the role of the memory changes from a "warehouse" to a "small courier." This way, the lack of capacity becomes a merit. By not including unnecessary items, you won't get lost.

Additionally, some car audio systems and older devices still excel at playing from USB flash drives. Without connecting a smartphone or using an app, just plugging it in to play sound is indeed comfortable in terms of less hassle. The cloud is not omnipotent. That's why there are still situations where the "reliability of physical media" shines.

2) A minimal "toolbox": A set that won't leave you stranded when the internet is down

The next use is as a "toolbox." Here, the tools refer to the "bare minimum" needed when in trouble, not a complete set of large software.

• Browser installer

• Network (Wi-Fi/LAN) drivers

• Small essentials like PDF readers

• Frequently used setting notes (internal VPN procedures, printer settings, Wi-Fi details, etc.)

• Templates distributed for work or internal submission forms

Relying entirely on online resources can leave you stuck when you need them most. For example, right after initializing a new PC, you might not have enough drivers to connect to the internet. Without a browser, you can't download what you need. You can't access the internal portal. These "quietly disastrous" moments can be saved by a small-capacity USB.

The point is to "only include items that fit in the small capacity."
Stuffing everything into a large-capacity media can lead to management chaos, but with small capacity, natural selection occurs. As a result, it becomes an easy-to-find "emergency pouch" during emergencies.

3) A foothold for recovery: Prepare the "first move" in case of trouble

A USB for OS installation generally requires 8GB or more. Therefore, it's often thought that "it's impossible with a small-capacity USB." However, where small capacity shines is in the "first move for recovery."

• Recovery codes for important accounts (stored encrypted)

• PC manufacturer's recovery procedure notes

• Minimum files needed for BIOS/firmware updates

• Small tools for security checks or log collection scripts

• Contact information and emergency procedures (instead of paper)

In other words, instead of including the "entire OS," include the "path to reach the OS."
Recovery is a "battle of preparation," and the more panicked you are, the duller your judgment becomes. That's why just having the procedures and minimum files on hand increases the success rate of recovery. Treating a small-capacity USB as that "preparation set" is practical.

Summary of reactions from SNS and communities (atmosphere)

Topics like "USB flash drives are still useful" generally fall into three patterns on social media.

A) Empathetic/Agreeable: "I get it, it hits the spot in times like these"

In response to Pocket-lint's official post, reactions tend to lean towards "Indeed, having a small one gives peace of mind" and "Insurance for when the cloud fails." On Threads, there's a trend of sparking interest with the introduction "Surprisingly useful," creating a mood of reevaluation.

B) Realists: "Convenient, but security and loss are scary"

"If you lose a USB flash drive, it's over." This point always comes up. Especially with smaller ones, they tend to be attached to keys or pockets, increasing the risk of loss. This leads to voices suggesting encryption and avoiding storing important data.

C) From a lifestyle perspective: "Pocket lint problem" "Is a cap necessary?"

Interestingly, the topic leans towards ultra-practical discussions. In communities, experiences like "When used as a keychain, dust and lint get into the terminals" and "Troubles caused by pocket lint" are shared. Rather than performance debates, the "subtle pitfalls" of everyday life get more attention on social media.

Tips for "safely using" small-capacity USBs

Finally, let's summarize the precautions to maintain convenience.

• Don't make it the only backup: USBs are suited for "carrying around." Using them for long-term storage or as the sole refuge leads to accidents.

• Keep contents minimal + assume encryption: Loss is the biggest enemy. Carefully select personal information and encrypt it if possible.

• Decide on physical handling: Attach to keys, store in a wallet, or have a designated spot in a PC bag—having a "placement rule" is effective.

• Terminal cleaning measures: The smaller the device, the more valuable caps, cases, and regular cleaning become.

Conclusion: Small capacity is not a "weakness," but a design to focus on specific uses

Small-capacity USB flash drives are not alternatives to the cloud. Nor are they inferior versions of large-capacity SSDs.
The moment you focus on "carrying light data lightly," "a toolbox for emergencies," and "the first move for recovery," they regain significance as modern tools.

If you have a dormant 1GB/4GB in your drawer, try giving it "just one role" before throwing it away. Precisely because they are small, there are ways they can become stronger.

Reference URLs

• Pocket-lint "3 useful things your tiny USB flash drive can still do": An article that narrows down the active uses of small-capacity USB flash drives to "three."

• Pocket-lint official X post: A post announcing the above article on social media, serving as a starting point for the topic.

• Pocket-lint official Threads post: Similarly introducing the article on Threads with the introduction "Surprisingly useful."

• Pocket-lint official Facebook post (general topic on USB drive usage): A reference post that easily gathers reader reactions about USB usage.

• dpreview forum thread: Community reactions discussing "operational issues" like keychain use, the necessity of caps, and pocket lint.

• Wikipedia "USB flash drive": General definition and positioning of USB flash drives (terminology premise).