Originally Posted by radimus
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If you use a U3 drive what is it that you like about it the most... selection of apps, ease of use, the launchpad, etc?
Have you used PortableApps?
Which do you prefer, if any?
Have you found any shortcomings?
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I've read about PortableApps but have not used it and know little about it. It appears to work the similar to U3 which I've used exclusively.
I've read posts that list the pros and cons of both PortableApps and U3. It seems to boil down to what you want to live with.
What I like about U3 -
- There is an SDK for creating U3 apps.
I like having the ability to code it myself.
- The software "Package Factory" can convert a simple Windows program to U3.
- The LaunchPad gives you the option to password-protect the volume.
I've not read where this is available on a thumb drive running PortableApps. I've read that using a brute-force algorithm can crack the LaunchPad password - yeah, every Windows user has this feature installed
What I dislike about U3 -
- Nothing noteworthy.
I researched the available info on U3 before getting into. They've been no surprises for me.
Others who have complained about U3 appear to have different expectations -
- Not all U3 apps are free.
Should they be? Welcome to Capitalism! The free ones are out there but you need to dig deep for some of them. You can also learn to code your own which you can give away free or charge $$ for it. I've installed 50 free U3 apps so far on my thumb drive (no games) - approx 680 MB.
- U3 needs (2) drives to function.
Yeah, it was designed that way.
- U3 drives need a special utility to format it.
Ok, then use it to wipe the device.
- U3 apps are slow.
Yeah, on a USB 1.x port.
- U3 requires Sandisk proprietary thumb drives.
Yeah, it was designed that way.
.. and on it goes.
The bottom line for me is the ability to leave a near zero-footprint on a PC where I've used a U3 app.
I'm now curious about PortableApps and loading it on my non-U3 thumb drive to check it out. I may find value in using both platforms.
iCode