July 13, 2006
Skype for the Mobile Warrior
Earlier this week, Skype and SanDisk announced a couple of Skype-certified SanDisk smartdrives preloaded with Skype: the Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium with U3. In addition to saving users the need to download software, this also makes it easy to use a friend's computer to make the call. Skype also says that this reduces the need to change settings/ preferences on other computers, such as in hotels, Internet cafes, etc., and is suited to anyone using multiple computers.
Interestingly, Skype mention student use because the latter tend to use multiple computers. However, at my local university, they've disabled all of the USB ports for security and virus protection reasons. [To wit: about 2 yrs ago, when I set up an alumni email account, there were over 500 spam messages waiting for me, the first time I signed on.] I'm not sure whether other colleges and universities disable USB ports as well, so this may not be a solution for all students.
Still, this move towards installing software on USB memory sticks/ cards is a growing trend, having mostly started with web servers, then web browsers, and now VoIP clients. With web-based word processors and spreadsheets like ZohoWriter and ZohoSheet (and other Zoho stuff) available online, and Wi-Fi access more widely available, you could conceivably leave your computer and your PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) smartphone behind.
However, if you love your PDA, Skype has been available for Windows-based devices for a while but has been surprisingly unavailable for Palm OS-based devices. At least until EQO announced EQO Mobile for Skype, supporting Palm Treo 650 and Motorola ROKR, SLVR, and RAZR mobile phones.
EQO currently has a free beta program, but you should read EQO's how it works page to get an understanding of the software, as it doesn't seem all that straightforward. What's more, during signup, you have to specify your cell carrier. Mine - a large carrier - isn't listed, so I can't try it out to give you a rundown. (Get with, EQO.)
While EQO is available for Mac OS X, the SanDisk Cruzer drives are not, as Mac does not support U3 (Windows 2000 and XP only). The Cruzer drives come in four models ranging in price from US$39.99-$119.99.
--
Did you enjoy this post?
« Time-Limited Skype Freebies for Canadians + Americans | Main | Why Your Company Should Record VoIP Calls »
