SanDisk Corporation and Skype have announced that Skype users can now make free calls and chat on almost any PC without having to download software. The Skype software will now come pre-loaded on SanDisk's newest Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium lines of Skype-certified U3 enabled smart drives. This will allow consumers to make free PC-to-PC audio and video calls to Skype users in most major markets.

SanDisk's Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium with U3 gives users a portable way to carry files and programs without leaving any personal information behind on a computer. This means Skype users can take their Skype account complete with their contacts, settings and preferences on a device that is smaller than a pack of chewing gum and make calls, with video as an option, from any PC such as those in Internet cafés and hotels. This compact Skype is particularly useful for business travelers, leisure travelers, students and anyone who uses multiple computers.

"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."

The U3 platform, which allows a variety of applications to be loaded onto a flash drive, is a standard feature on all capacities of SanDisk's latest versions of its Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium USB smart drives.

The new drives will display the Skype logo on the packaging and will feature one free month of Skype voicemail for the mobile user to get messages from their Skype calls even when on the go. The SanDisk Cruzer Micro with Skype preloaded is available at retail outlets in U.S. and Europe, including Skype's online store.