I read on another forum here, that someone's USB drive stopped working and they blamed it on the USB stick being left in it. I do that all the time .... 2 years now. Anyone have real proof that this can harm a drive?

that's bologna....!

Or as we say in the South, baloney.
Now, if you're talking about leaving it in the keyboard, I would be sure it doesn't stick out. I use those little stubby ones that don't protrude at all.
On my old E50, I even leave the memory card in all the time. I'm afraid to take it out now!
DonM

I agree with DonM, if the stick is constantly jostled, banged up/down/sideways, I could see the port stop working. Other than that, as long as there is a sound electrical connection, there is no way it should stop working; UNLESS it is a very cheap USB stick that deteriorated over time. Some memory chips have been known to do that; especially with a high frequency of writes and erasures. Even the new SSD Flash memory drives do not have an infinite MTBF.

The only reason i can think of to remove a USB stick fron its slot is because of the mechanical damage thats possible when its pushed very hard...

I love these things, they NEVER leave my Keyboards, except to load or delete.. Mini USB Drive

DNJ and I use similar sticks, ones that do not protrude beyond the keyboard body and rarely are removed other than to update data.

Gary

Bad (if it protrudes)...

I really like Roland's GW-8's approach, with a totally recessed, covered USB port, where it can neither be bumped, NOR easily seen to be stolen.
The little short USB sticks are great, but if you don't HAVE one of those...

I have several of those. They are great!
DonM

I've always left my USB drives plugged in all the time. I think you would wear out the receptacle prematurely if it was removed and re-inserted all the time........... -charley