SanDisk to Preload Smart Drives with Skype
July 11, 2006 | by Geoff Duncan
SanDisk has announced it will be preloading its Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium USB smart drives with Skype software, enabling users to make PC-to-PC calls without downloading soft
SanDisk Corporation has announced it will be preloading Skype VoIP telephony software on its Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium USB smart drives. The basic idea is that Skype users can plug the devices into any USB-capable Internet-connected Windows machine and immediately place PC-to-PC VoIP calls—perhaps with audio and/or video support—without having to download or configure any software. Plus, the user's settings, configuration files, documents, and personal information stay with the user on the Smart Drive, rather than being left on the host machine.
"Skype likes to partner with the brightest and best in their industries," said Saul Klein, vice president of marketing for Skype. "SanDisk is an excellent addition to the growing Skype ecosystem of partners and will allow us to reach an entirely new set of Skype users."
SanDisk's Cruzer drives use the U3 platform to make applications truly portable one devices like USB drives. (At least, selected Windows applications: other platforms don't benefit from U3.) The idea is that users (like frequent travelers, students, and other on-the-go professionals) can configure a smart drive with U3-enabled applications and carry their personal applications and desktop with them from PC to PC without having to deal with installation, downloading, licensing issues, and configuration.
SansDisk's Cruzer Micro drives are available in capacities from 512 MB to 4 GB with prices ranging from $39.99 to $199.99. The Cruzer Titaniums are available in 1 and 2 GB capacities at &4.99 and $119.99, respectively.
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Ian Bell on Jul 11th, 2006 at 3:18 PM:
Ugh, this is the equivalent of packing those stupid toolbars with software that you download. I think people would just prefer the drive, and if they want to install Skype they would just download it from their site.