There isn't a whole lot to think about when buying a USB flash drive these days - they all tend to fulfil a basic need without kicking up much of a fuss.
But what if a manufacturer decided to offer more by preloading its memory products with multimedia content? Well, that's exactly what PNY Technologies is doing.
The US-based manufacturer of flash memory and other computer components is offering a couple of interesting products, the first is a 2GB USB flash drive preloaded with 80's comedy classic, Ghostbusters.
PNY tells us this is the first time a full-length movie has been released on a USB drive, and users can simply click to watch. As you might expect, the movie itself is DRM-protected and the USB stick needs to be plugged in during playback.
The second media-packing flash solution is a MicroSD card available in 1GB and 2GB capacities. This little package is bundled with the choice of a free mobile-phone game from Electronic Arts (EA), including titles such as Brain Challenge and Rayman Raving Rabbits.
In order to get the game, users access an EA games catalogue, choose their title of choice, and enter an access code found on the PNY packaging. Of course, a WAP or Wi-Fi connection is required.
Bundling media with flash memory seems a good idea, then. But there is one expected downside - higher than usual prices. The 1GB and 2GB MicroSD cards are available from PC World and Currys at a cost of £9.99 and £14.98, respectively. The 2GB Ghostbusters USB drive is available from Argos at a cost of £29.99 - that's a whole lot more than a basic USB drive and the DVD bought separately.
Official press releases
PNY Technologies and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Team Up to Offer Comedy Classic Ghostbusters on USB
Playing to win: PNY Technologies score with their new MicroSD card - offering a FREE mobile game from EA
