Microsoft to put user profiles on USB keys
WinInfo | at | by Mike
ZD Net's Mary Jo Foley reported this week that Microsoft is working on a product called StartKey that will turn USB memory keys into "Windows companions" that users can cart around with them. These keys would include all of your Windows and Windows Live settings, so when you plugged one into a PC, it would be like you were sitting at your own PC. Obviously, this would require some support tech on the PCs you're accessing, so I'm guessing that part of the product will include a software update for Windows Vista. Still, it's an interesting idea, and not just for the emerging markets that are the obvious target market. Foley says that Microsoft began working on the project after agreeing with SanDisk in 2007 to develop something to replace the reviled U3 Smart Technology stuff that currently ships on so many USB keys.