When it comes to finding the perfect USB drives for your needs, there truly is something for every taste and budget. Bob Dylan's music is now captured in a USB flash drive, which is housed in a fake harmonica that at first blush looks real.

It sells on Amazon for $364.92, and has been released conveniently in time for Christmas. Promising the complete album collection, version one – all on an "adorable" (according to some fans) faux drive – it's the ideal multi-tasker for the tech nerd who also has a soft spot for Dylan ... and who doesn't?

The drive is considered a collector's edition and contains 35 studio albums as well as six live albums and a number of singles. Available in both FLAC and MP3 formats, it also makes a lot of sense.

Imagine the time it would take to rip all those records or download them (however you prefer). Of course, it also gives techies something they really need: namely, yet another USB drive, of which you can never have too many.

So far, the reviews are in, and for Dylan fans it's another hit. But what other drives might be popular as we head into the holidays?

And the most popular title goes to...

It's still early in the gift-giving season, but one USB drive has already claimed the title of most popular: The Anker 7-Port. You'd think that when someone is looking to fill a USB port, he'd simply opt for the fastest and simplest way to do things, but time and again techies have shown they want more, more, and more.

Lifehacker undertook a user survey to see which items were on the wish lists of users; and sadly, Dylan's harmonica hasn't topped the list (yet). However, the Anker 7-Port as well as the 9-Port USB 3.0 are both in high demand.

Overall, these two products raked in more than 50 percent of all the votes because of their speed and quality. Of course they're not the cheapest on the market, but with this kind of fans, they don't need to be.

Runners-up include the Monoprice USB, which got 13 percent of the votes because of its low price and ease of use. Nipping on the heels of the Monoprice is the Plugable 10-Port Powered USB 2.0, as well as the 7-Port USB 3.0 with 12.7 percent of vote. They were knocked down by just three votes in all.

Options galore

If none of these quite do it for you, how about the Macally Mini 1-Port USB 2.0 Hub, which got 8 percent of votes. It's not the prettiest thing to look at (after all, it looks nothing like a harmonica), but it's affordable, high quality, and useful: all you really need in a USB.

There will be plenty more added to the docket in the coming months, but when it comes to choosing a USB, you should consider what you'll use it for, how much space you need, how often you'll use it, and just how prone you're apt be to losing it. (Be honest!)

If you really just want a conversation piece and can't get enough of "Lay, Lady, Lay," the harmonica might just be for you. If you can't keep a hold on any of your USBs, go for a cheaper and disposable option.

Just make sure you read reviews, take comments into account, and don't get caught up by glitz and glamour, since you probably won't be using your USB as a pick-up tool or a conversation starter. At heart, USBs are utilitarian, and that's perfectly okay for most people.

Be realistic, stick to your budget and remember that, sooner or later, quality USBs always trump looks.


Edited by Alisen Downey