USB flash drives have quickly increased storage capacity over the past few years. I remember purchasing a 1GB Memorex TravelDrive a few years ago for around $50, and I thought that was cheap already! Fast forward a few years, USB flash drives have really plummeted in price and almost everyone has one hanging on their necks.

Kingston will apparently be the first to market a 128GB USB flash drive. It features built-in password protection which will safeguard your data from other people. It also features a capless design to reduce headache-inducing find-that-USB-cap moments.

The Kingston DataTraveler 200 line comes with a 5-year warranty along with 24/7 tech support. But seriously, why would you need 24/7 tech support for a USB flash drive?!

The 128GB variant is build-to-order only, meanwhile the 32GB and 64GB will readily be available via your internet-friendly e-tailers and resellers.

Fountain Valley, CA — June 15, 2009 — Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the release of the DataTraveler® 200 (DT200), the world’s first 128GB USB Flash drive. The large capacity along with password protection gives users the flexibility to carry critical data with them at all times in a very small form factor.

“The new DT200’s robust storage capability lets consumers store complete libraries of music, photos and videos. It is also a great tool for business users who carry around large databases or files,” said Andrew Ewing, USB business manager, Kingston®. “The password protection helps safeguard data and requires no admin rights, making the DT200 a terrific solution for the home or office.”

The Kingston DataTraveler 200 features a capless design to protect the USB connector when not in use and is enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost™. It is available in 32-, 64- and 128GB capacities. The 128GB drive is build-to-order only. Customers who wish to purchase it can place an order through normal channels (e.g., e-tailers or resellers).

The DT200 is backed by a five-year warranty and 24/7 tech support. For more information, visit www.kingston.com.

DataTraveler 200 Product Features and Specifications:

• Capacities*: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
• Dimensions: 2.77″ x 0.49″ x 0.89″ (70.39mm x 12.52mm x 22.78mm)
• Operating Temperature: 32° F to 140° F (0° C to 60° C)
• Storage Temperature: -4° F to 185° F (-20° C to 85° C)
• Simple: just plug into a USB port
• Practical: durable, capless design
• Guaranteed: five-year warranty
• Safeguarded: includes Password Traveler security software for Windows
• Enhanced: for Windows ReadyBoost™ on Vista-based systems**

[via Kingston and Engadget]