PQI debuts 256GB 2.5-inch SSD drive

We've seen 256GB and even 512GB SSD drives before, but they've so far been confined to the larger 3.5-inch form factor -- not exactly the ideal solution to fulfill our dream of an all-SSD laptop with more storage than we're ever likely to use. Well, it looks like Taiwanese manufacturer PQI is starting to bring that excessively-demanding dream a little closer to reality, recently unveiling a 2.5-inch SSD drive with a full 256GB of storage space. Unfortunately, there's no word on what it'll cost, although we're sure it'll be enough to dampen our enthusiasm considerably. That's apparently not all PQI has up its sleeve though, with the company also set to release a 32GB SSD ExpressCard, a 32GB 1.8-inch SSD drive, and a high-speed 16GB CompactFlash card for good measure.

[JeffNLA @ May 30th 2007 1:18PM]

One day - we will look back at mechanical hard drives the way I look back at 8" floppy disks!

The future is here.

[Jon @ May 30th 2007 1:37PM]

The problem with floppy disks is they remained stuck at a certain size and gave poor value for money when it comes to cost per MB, whereas harddrive's space continue to rise and costs are falling.

It will be useful on small sub-notebooks where reliability is more important than size.

[Dan @ May 30th 2007 1:38PM]

'Can't put 'em in the rear view soon enough! The weight loss alone will be pretty cool. Decreased access time! I am so ready!

[James Whited @ May 30th 2007 1:28PM]

Um, how much, cuase I'd love one for my MBP.

[s i d @ May 30th 2007 1:29PM]

future would be here wen 'Johnny Mnemonic' happens

[RyanTV @ May 30th 2007 1:32PM]

if they could just put out a 64GB 2.5" SSD on the cheap, I'd be happy. More than enough space for me on my notebook.

[bgdc @ May 30th 2007 1:46PM]

Mechanical hard-drives must die...well eventually they do anyway. I look forward to a simple lap top with a basic 32gb SSD. I love the idea of lower weight, less energy consumption, less risk of mechanical malfunction.

[sturmnacht @ May 30th 2007 1:53PM]

It's just around the corner:
32GB SSD, extremely thin and extremely light!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=123563

[DorianGray @ May 30th 2007 2:03PM]

A good SSD drive is the last hurdle for the car PC. I've gone thru 2 "shock-dampened" 2.5 inch drives so far. Admittedly, they died in an off-roading 4Runner -- but iTunes was supposed to be the solution to my CD-skipping problem...

Anyway -- bring on the solid-state!..

[Whackmushrooms @ May 30th 2007 2:15PM]

i wonder if this would work in a ps3?

[TheShutt @ May 30th 2007 2:41PM]

yes...let's up the price of a ps3 by another 400 by adding some ssd. I only lament that which I cannot afford :(

[Mahoo @ Sep 10th 2007 3:53PM]

Yea I don't see why not. Would increase load times slightly, although they already pretty damn good. Might be a cost effective idea to squeeze more speed from a ps3 in 5 years time when they are starting to show their age and SSDs are cheaper?

[JediFonger @ May 30th 2007 2:32PM]

what's the read/write speed? 10MB/s? it needs to be somn ridiculous like 1TB/s. okay, that's fantastic, but it has to be faster than the 50-60MB/s 7200rpm 2.5" drives are writing, i expect 100MB/s before i upgrade to SSD.

[mewantphone @ May 30th 2007 2:48PM]

Get a SanDisk SSD UATA 5000 32GB 1.8 drive right now from dell. $549.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=341-4872

[John Doe @ May 30th 2007 3:45PM]

Slap my ass and call my horny. Mesa wants the preccccciiiious!!

[Spanky @ May 30th 2007 4:33PM]

Well, when 32gb is below $200, I'll jump on the band wagon...

[mb @ May 30th 2007 4:42PM]

How worried should we still be about the write limit/sector of NAND?

I haven't heard a peep about leaps forward in that.

[t-bone @ May 30th 2007 10:58PM]

A mechanical HD should fail well before you run into the read/write limit of a flash ssd. That's what I've heard.

[mewantphone @ May 30th 2007 4:53PM]

Sony UX280P, $1099 (http://www.clearanceclub.com/products/6355-VAIO-VGN-UX280P)
...SanDisk 32G BSSD drive, $549
...32GB SSD Sony UXPC for under $2500...Priceless!!

[Zon @ Jul 16th 2007 7:04AM]

Pretty useful price comparison - refurbished machine vs brand new which now retails for 2399.

[William @ May 31st 2007 10:23AM]

The last time I bought a notebook HD at CompUSA, the sales guy and I both felt the need to open the box before I walked out of the store to make sure that there was actually something in the box because the thing felt empty it was so light. I don't think there will be much of a weight savings over a conventional 2.5 inch drive. The DVD drive and the battery should be the first things addressed if you're trying to save weight on a laptop.

[Bob Mc @ May 31st 2007 12:09PM]

I wish I were rich...but then, I could just wait a couple of years.

[Zzephyr @ May 31st 2007 1:03PM]

I want one of these things for my lappy, yes I do.

[Tyns @ Jul 22nd 2007 4:01PM]

I'd like to know where you can buy any of these flash SSD's... anyone seen them for sale and in stock? I haven't...