I've paid for digital delivery of software or licenses in the past, and I've paid for access to "Members" sections of Web sites, usually technical sites that offer download areas, support, and forums for paid members. Never, in any of those transactions, did I want something physical to tie my purchase to the digital world--a password worked just fine for me. QiGO, on the other hand, believes there's an untapped market for this kind of device: people who would use their paid online services more if they had something tangible with which to connect to them. Additionally, QiGO believes people who buy online subscriptions and services just don't feel like they've received anything for their money if all they get with their purchase is a password.

Enter the QiGo Online Content Key. QiGO is hoping to sell the Content Key to companies that offer gift certificates online, Web sites that have paid subscriptions for services, and any online site or service that requires you to lay down some cash before you get to log in. The idea is that when you make your purchase, a Content Key is mailed to you, and you can plug the key into your computer via USB port to access the services you've paid for. You can attach the key to your keychain and carry your service around from computer to computer.

This sounds good in theory. But there are so many obvious downsides that it likely won't get off the ground as anything more than a novelty. First of all, should you lose the Content Key, you have to wait for another one to be mailed to you before you can access the service again, unlike a password that can be reset and e-mailed instantly. And cluttering up a USB port with a one-function USB key so you can read the news is a frustrating idea in itself. I also don't like the idea of carrying around a huge keychain full of Content Keys. The idea might work for gift certificates or one-time registrations, and it might work as a cool reminder of your purchase, but having to use a physical object in place of a password is just a bad idea.

[ via SciFi Tech ]