Introduction to U3 - the smart disk on key
So what's this U3 DOK all about?
U3 is a new USB Flash Disk (DiskOnKey) platform, enabling smart applications on the flash disk.
The idea is that you'll be able to install your favorite applications on your U3 drive, and when you plug it into any computer, you can immediatly launch your application, with all your data as well. So you can have your browser with all the bookmarks, your e-mail client with all e-mails and contacts, Skype with your own user configured, etc. Just plug it into any computer, and immedaily these programs can be launched.
U3 is like a laptop without the computer, just plug it in, and any computer is like your own...
The U3 platform is developed by a company called U3, which is a joint venture between M-Systems and SanDisk. There are already U3 compatiable devices selling today, and several software applications available, such as e-mail clients, office applications, VoIP, etc.
What's the big deal? What's the difference between U3 and my regular USB drive?
U3 is special because it offers:
- Device level password authentication
- Secure, encrypted channel between the PC and the smart drive
- Unique ID associated witheach drive
- It is a standard. This means that all U3 drives will be able to run all U3 software.
Where can I find compatiable software?
In the software central you'll find lot's of software, and you can download it too.
Sounds good! Can I upgrade my drive to U3?
Unfortunatly no. The U3 platform requires different hardware, so you'll have to buy a new drive.
Where can I find a list of U3 drives?
U3.com manages a comprehensive list of U3 drives...
