M-Systems announced today that they have enhanced their pen-shaped DiskOnKey USB flash storage device to make it bootable. The DiskOnKey, an ergonomically designed pocketable, pen-sized device device roughly the size of a pen, is intended to be used as a floppy disk replacement which offers greater convenience and data reliability.

The DiskOnKey connects to a computer's USB port and emulates a USB floppy drive. At this time, only the Phoenix PC BIOS supports booting from the device; however, this capability can readily be designed into most embedded systems and portable devices which are able to boot from USB floppies.

Linux kernel 2.4.1 (or later) may be used, providing appropriate BIOS and/or startup firmware are provided within the systems to recognize the DiskOnChip as a bootable device, mount it, and load from it.

The DiskOnKey currently available in capacities from 8 to 128 megabytes, and is priced at between $1 and $2 per megabyte.

---

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.