More ideas:
Maybe we can roll our own using tools intended for making "Live-CDs"?
https://mandrivausers.org/index.php?showtopic=10855
I never done something like that, but it seem to include making a customised "master" installation in separate partition on a computer, then use a tool to make a compressed image of it to put on CD.
That way we can form and update the master, then make updated images to put on the Flash.
(the compressed system for CD is readonly)
We have to learn how to make it use a separate noncompressed partition for /home
Maybe edit fstab in the master installation just before makign the .iso of it?
And if we make it mount that partition by label it is not dependant on other USB-drives changing disk number
Also it should save any changes like dial-iup and such, that LiveCD do not... how to change?
Does this sound possible?
We need to place that /home partiiton so it is not written over by a growing iso.
How to put a .iso intended for a CD or DVD on to a USB the right way, and wothout disturbing the /home partition iI do not know.
How to make it include all drivers to be able to autodetect and use the right driver on any PC i do not know.
A high speed Flash is naturally beneficable.
I found this 8GB stick, with pasword protection, display, and 33MB/s read speed, at approx 130 EUR ex tax.
http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.asp?sku=325454&view=links
Using a fast 8GB stick we maybe do not *need* compression (although it would be nice for both speed and space) But just install to one large partition on it.
About compression, it seems possible to compress user files usig technique like:
http://parallel.vub.ac.be/~johan/compFUSEd/
There seem to be more than one such system being developed, but none ready for use?
(try google...)
Using compression, we can afford to put the whole Powerpack installation DVD on the Flash if we use 8GB flash...