The self-encrypting CD-R

Without knowing more about Ricoh's new CryptDisc, we can't say for sure whether or not it's typical security snake oil (we're sure to hear Mr. Schneier weigh in on this next month)—but basically it sounds like it's just a CDR with some crypto software pre-written to it, and a unique key to encrypt with on an enclosed USB dongle—if that's the case, then not only do you have to worry whether or not Ricoh's crypto is good, but about losing your key (or having it stolen). Basically it sounds like an awful lot of trouble to go through to just do what PGP can do right quick, and probably much more securely than whatever probably-broken crypto Ricoh is using. Move along, now.