Software squeezes PC onto an iPod

MSNBC/AP ^ | 6:15 a.m. PT Sept 26, 2006

[martin_fierro]

Software squeezes PC onto an iPod

RingCube's MojoPac works on any portable storage device

The Associated Press

Updated: 6:15 a.m. PT Sept 26, 2006

Mobile computing just got more portable.

Making even the latest pocketbook-sized ultra-mobile personal computers look more like lumbering giants, RingCube Technologies Inc. unveiled software that can virtually squeeze a PC onto an iPod, USB keychain drive, cell phone or any gizmo with digital storage space.

RingCube's MojoPac software mirrors a computer's personal settings, programs and data on a storage device. Then, when it's connected to any computer running Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP operating system, the virtual desktop will run in a window of the underlying PC.

"You're taking your digital soul with you on any portable storage device," said Shan Appajodu, chief executive and co-founder of RingCube.

A user could toggle between the two computing environments. The company contends that everything you do with your MojoPac PC will remain private: the underlying host PC won't retain any of the files or cache copies of what you did on MojoPac, the company said.

The software can be downloaded and tested at no cost for 30 days. If bought within a month of the product's release, it will cost $29.99 with up to three additional licenses for $14.99 each. After the introductory period, the price will jump to $49.99, with up to three extra licenses costing $24.99 each.

MojoPac will be shown off at the DEMOfall 2006 conference, an elite showcase of emerging technologies being held this week in San Diego.

"I lug my laptop around with me everywhere and the idea that I could bring my work environment around with me on a USB key is really attractive," said DEMO producer Chris Shipley.

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[martin_fierro]

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[Toby06]

I have a hard enough time seeing my regular monitor, nevermind an ipod screen. I'd need a full size keyboard for freeping, too.

[KoRn]

I love the BSOD on the ipod. lol!

[kingu]

The iPod just acts as a storage device for your applications and settings; it doesn't actually run /on/ the iPod, it runs from it instead, or any USB device, actually.

Now, here's the big kicker - since your USB device acts as the main storage and data device, set one up for the kids with their games and browsers and chat software. They can plug it into any of your home PCs including your laptops, game or browse to their heart's desire, and when you unplug the USB device, nothing is left on your computer.

It's a never ending problem in our household that the teenager continually picks up various bugs and critters. Worst case scenario, I have to copy a backup of the USB device back onto it if it gets corrupted, rather than re-installing windows and all the applications.

Yup, absolutely going to have to try this out.

[Swordmaker]

Here's another... better...

---

Apple Understands Simplicity... the ability to boot any PowerPC Mac with the same configuration of OS X.

[Obadiah]

Cool application software, and good idea regarding the kid's use of the computer. In our house the kids get the hand-me-down computers and can screw them up all they want without messing up mine. Seems to work, except although mine is always safe, I'm always fixing theirs! Argh!