SanDisk 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 cafes and hotels. This compact Skype is particularly useful for business travelers, leisure travelers, students and anyone who uses multiple computers.

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, for suggested retail prices ranging from $39.99 to $199.99. Capacities are 512 megabytes (MB), 1 gigabyte (GB), 2GB and 4GB. SanDisk Cruzer Titanium with Skype comes in 1GB and 2GB, at suggested prices of $74.99 and $119.99 respectively, and is now shipping in most major markets.