I've been using that method for the last couple of years when I started back to school full time. I use an 8GB to keep a full current (weekly or more often) back-up copy of my documents & carry it so I can use one of the campus computer labs instead of carrying the laptop every day. Had one of those lightbulb moments when I was looking for a solution to the same problem.

PS Thanks for the reminder. I need to run the synchronizer program.