Background

Now, technically speaking, most of the information in this review could easily be found in product descriptions. Product descriptions, however, aren't always what they're cut out to be. I really prefer not to take it for granted that the maximum throughput listed on a product is the same as what you'll get on your own computer. It seems like there are enough variables in data throughput (reading and writing hard disks) that use-case is inevitably a factor. If my testing turns out to be redundant, that's fine.

Here's some background: I'm a little bit of a tinkerer. Nothing hardcore--but, I do fetishize older computers and anything  outside the fringes of mainstream technology. When my kids were in 3rd grade (they're twins), I caught wind of the Kano Computer and decided to get one for their birthday. If you're not familiar with the Kano Computer, it's a Raspberry Pi based hardware setup designed to allow kids (and tinkerers) a hands on experience with "building" and understanding a computer.