Pros: The TAC Drive is an essential piece of medical equipment to purchase as part of a patient’s preventative care plan. The flash drive works instantly with most operating systems and does not require users to install software first on their computers. Storage capacities range from 1 GB to 8 GB and each TAC Drive purchase comes with a free online medical record.

Cons: The USB drive has an open-ended bottom design. This allows dirt and debris to easily get lodged in the drive. A removable cover should come standard with the device to correct this problem.

The Bottomline: Compared to other portable drives, the TAC Drive is relatively inexpensive. It can permit emergency access to medical information. This can save lives by letting medical personnel instantly find out any health conditions or allergies the patient is being treated for.

Editor’s Rating:

Reviewed on February 22, 2012



Summary

Although a large range of medical flash drives are available on the market, the TAC Drive stands apart due to its ability to withstand even the most volatile conditions. The small size makes it easy enough to transport wherever a person may go. Emergency medical information is mostly stored on the drive. It does not feature tracking applications for medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Features

Tough Exterior
The TAC Drive can survive the roughest environmental conditions. The flash drive can be submerged in water for up to sixty minutes. It will operate in temperatures between 32 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit and can be stored anywhere from -40 degrees to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. It has been drop tested from as high as ten feet.

Personal Medical Record
During setup of the TAC Drive, the user is prompted to visit the company website to create login details and personalize his medical record. The profile will include the patient’s emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, medications and doctors.



Portability
The TAC Drive weighs less than an ounce. The small size makes it ideal for a patient to carry around on her person. A dog tag necklace can be attached to the flash drive and worn around the neck. Alternatively, the USB drive can be attached to a keychain.

Fast and Secure Syncing
Syncing new data to the TAC Drive takes only a few short minutes. Once updates are made to the medical record, the individual is prompted to connect the drive via USB port. To perform syncs, the download button is utilized in the TAC Drive application.

Easy Record Updating and Storage
Once an individual has set-up their TAC Online account, he can add new records and information by simply dragging and dropping files onto the flash drive. If the patient needs extra storage, he can upgrade his subscription status. Premium members also have personal exposure reporting and immunization tracking features.

Security
Since most of a patient’s pertinent medical information is going to be carried around on a USB drive, the person will want to ensure his data is protected. Data on the drive is encrypted using military grade 256-bit algorithm security. Extra security in place allows for permanent deletion without overwriting and the self-destruction of data after multiple failed encryption key attempts.

Longevity
The TAC Drive has an estimated data retention lifespan of approximately ten years. The data can be erased and accessed as much as 10,000 times.

Personalization
The drive comes standard with a medical logo and the website address of the company. However, for a low price, the patient can customize the shell of the TAC Drive. Patients may want to consider putting their full name, emergency contact number, blood type and any vital medical data like allergy information.