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Samsung unveils quick 64GB SSD
Oh sweet mother of solid state disks, Samsung just birthed another. Their new 1.8-inch 64GB SSD not only doubles the capacity of their current offering, it's said to be up to 60% faster than their existing SLC NAND-based 32GB SSD to boot. Mass production of this 1.8-inch drop-in replacement for hard disks is expected to begin in Q2. Fine, but hey, Samsung, in case you haven't noticed SSDs are already plenty fast enough in comparison to the conventional hard disks they are meant to replace. So how 'bout bringing us consumers bigger and cheaper SSDs based on your new MLC NAND instead of your lickity-quick SLC NAND? After all, Sandisk and Toshiba are breathing down your neck on this one. Thanks for listening.
Attorn BV intros HyperDrive4 solid state disk
If you figured the barrage of SSD launches that we've endured over the past week was finally over, you'd be altogether incorrect, as Attorn BV is following in Super Talent, Adtron, and SanDisk's footsteps by readying a solid state disc of its very own. The HyperDrive4 doesn't seem to tout any unusual extras, as it boasts the same "no moving parts," DRAM-based, play-and-play functionality, and "super fast bootup" features as all the other guys. The drive does use registered ECC memory modules in order to provide "a higher level of data integrity," and also claims a sustained transfer rate of 125Mbps. Interestingly, the drive can purportedly be picked up in sizes as small as a single gigabyte, but we can't really imagine the majority of takers opting for such a diminutive option. Per usual, no word on pricing or availability at the moment, but it ought to hit shelves soon if it plans on stealing any marketshare from the early entrants.[Via Gearlog]
Fujitsu gives P1610 Tablet PC the SSD treatment
While a natural evolution of the ultra-portable, it's still noteworthy when a vendor gives in and offers an SSD option to their gear. Once again, it's Fujitsu doing the honors by bringing that Solid State Disk action from Samsung to their 8.9-inch, 2.2-pound P1610 convertible Tablet PC -- something they've been offering on their Q and B series of laptops since October. But come now Fujitsu, you can do better than $700 and $1,200 for the 16GB and 32GB SSD, respectively. Perhaps you should look for a cheaper supplier.[Via Laptop Magazine]Update: It looks like the P1610 isn't the only LifeBook getting an SSD transplant, with Fujitsu's B6210 also getting in on the action, available with the same 16GB or 32GB drives. CNET's also reporting that both tablets are, in fact, available now, though you'll need to get in touch with Fujitsu for a price quote, which usually isn't a good sign.
Super Talent announces SSDs from 4GB to 128GB
The always confident in itself Super Talent has announced new batch of solid state SATA drives, coming in the usual 1.8-inch, 2.5-inch, and 3.5-inch form factors, and ranging in size from 4GB to 128GB. Broken down, the petite 1.8-inch drives will give you between 4GB and 32GB of storage, while going up to the 2.5-inch model will give you a bit of extra breathing room, ranging in size from 8GB to 64GB. The real expansiveness, however, comes when you step things up to the 3.5-inch drives, which start at 64GB and go all the way to 128GB, although that's slightly less impressive than A-DATA's SSD drives, which manage to cram those same 128 gigabytes into a 2.5-inch form factor. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing just yet, but it looks like we should know soon enough, with the drives set to roll out sometime next month.[Via PC Launches]
SanDisk intros 2.5-inch 32GB SSD hard drive
No, SanDisk's latest offering in the ever-populating SSD realm is far from the largest, but just a tick after releasing a 1.8-inch edition, now the firm is unveiling a laptop (and external enclosure) friendly 2.5-inch flavor. The SanDisk SSD SATA 5000 2.5-inch is touted as a "drop-in replacement for the hard disk drive," and also boasts the durability that purportedly comes with being a fifth-generation product. Additionally, the NAND-based drive features a sustained read rate of 67-megabytes per second, reportedly enabling it to boot Windows Vista Enterprise on a lappie in "as little as 30 seconds." Of course, SanDisk didn't mind flaunting the low power consumption on this one either, as it boldly proclaims the 0.9-watts used during "active operation" as being nearly half as conservative as typical drives. While we're not exactly sure just how much these things will run the average consumer just yet, they are supposedly shipping to computer manufacturers now at around $350 a pop.[Thanks, Vinit]
Samsung Q40 gets SSD, just like big brother Q30
It's anything but surprising that Samsung would follow up the Q30-SSD with a Q40 edition, but we sure are happy to finally be out of the Celeron M dark ages -- the Q30 was really showing its age. Now instead of slumming it to get some Sammy-flavored SSD, you can snap up a Q40 with 16GB or 32GB of NAND preloaded. Oddly, with all that Core Solo ULV power and Intel 945GM chipset -- ok, not exactly blazing -- we're surprised to see that Samsung is still sticking with good ol' XP instead of showing a bit of Vista sheen on this 12.1-inch unit. Perhaps the Q50 will finally have it all? The Vista-less Q40 will be hitting Hong Kong "soon" for an unannounced sticker price.[Via Core Duo News; thanks Staska]
Adtron's 160GB drive nabs the 2.5-inch SSD record
It's not quite the coup that A-DATA's 128 gigger was, but just 'cause Adtron didn't 2x the previous record holder doesn't mean 160GB is anything to sneeze at. Adtron's new 2.5-inch SSD drive just grabbed the industry crown for capacity, and they're also boasting about sustained read/write performance in the 70MB/s range, which is supposedly "the solid state industry's best performance." The drive is already shipping in commercial and industrial versions, and comes in I25FB (IDE)and A25FB (SATA) varients. No exact word on price, but we hear you might be looking at somewhere in the range of $80-$115 per gigabyte. Yeah, we know. Aren't you sorry you asked?[Via jkOnTheRun]
The do-it-yourself SSD adapter
If you can't afford the real deal, then prepare to get your jank on with this, the not-so-poor-man's solid state disk. The SDB25SD from GeekStuff4U can host up to 4x SD (not SDHC) cards for a maximum capacity of 8GB. Just slip the four cards into the 2.5-inch sled which then slots-in to any available IDE connector where -- presumably -- the total capacity is presented as a single disk volume... who knows? So how much would you pay for something like this: $50, $40, or maybe $20? Try $258.50 and you have to provide the SD flash. Word to the wise: SSD prices are dropping fast -- you'll pay about the same price for a full 16GB SSD card if you can hold on until June or so.[Via Akihabara News]
SimpleTech announces "world's thinnest" 2.5-inch 64GB SSD
World's thinnest titles aren't just for cellphones and DAPs, don't you know, Solid State Drives need to shave those millimeters just as much as the next guy, and SimpleTech seems up to the task with its new 64 gigger. The 2.5-inch drive, a member of SimpleTech's Zeus SSD lineup, measures a mere 9.5mm thick (0.37-inches), compared to some competing solutions more than twice as thick, making it a solid option for squeezing into those ever-slimmer laptops. SimpleTech is currently targeting the device at high performance applications such as military, intelligence and aviation, and has apparently buffeted the drive against shock, humidity, vibration and altitude -- most of the stability naturally thanks to the flash technology, of course. No word price, but with those kind of customers, we're guessing this one won't be cheap.
A-DATA exposes 128GB SSD to the camera
You already know the deal on A-DATA's 128GB solid state disk, which is currently the largest SSD you'll find outside of tightly sealed corporate doors and available for citizens to handle, but it looks like AVing got up close and personal with the device itself, mixing a little proof in with the pudding. So go on and click through for another snapshot of the (momentary) big fellow, so you'll know just what you're looking for when these land around mid-year.
A-DATA goes SSD crazy, shows off 128GB 2.5-incher
Friends, the age of SSD is upon is, and there's no better evidence than the upcoming 128GB 2.5-inch drive from A-DATA, which hooks up via SATA II, totally schools PQI's offering, and makes all your wildest dreams come true. A-DATA was showing this drive off at CES behind closed doors, along with a 64GB 1.8-incher and a most impressive 32GB ExpressCard. Mass production and availability is due for late Q1 and early Q2, and while there's no word on price just yet, with the way flash drives have been trending lately, we're hoping for good news when these hit the streets.[Via gizmag]
PQI's 64GB SSD with SATA connector: a world's first, twice
PQI just announced the availability of their 64GB, 2.5-inch drive -- doubling the size of current SSDs packed in either 1.8-inch or 2.5-inch IDE enclosures. That's news, big news in and of itself. But these drives are also the world's first to sport SATA. That's right, thick juicy SATA which should make it possible to do a one-for-one swap with your existing laptop's spinner. So check it DV editors, before the end of the month you too will have access to ultra-fast flash for your video. No word on pricing yet, but 64GB of NAND on a SATA interface will likely buck the trend of falling SSD prices. Temporarily anyway.
Ritek's 16GB and 32GB SSDs starting at a low, low $270
Well hot damn kids, Ritek just announced that their take on the Solid State Disk (SSD) will begin shipment this year. Impressive enough seeing as how only Samsung (and perhaps TDK) can pull this off currently. But what if we told you that they'll cost your friendly OEM a mere $169 to slip 16GB of that cool RiDATA flash into your swank new laptop? That's right, just $169 for a 1.8-inch 16GB SSD or $199 for the 2.5-inch version. They'll also offer 32GB SSDs at launch (64GB near the end of the year) which we can only assume will be less than twice the cost of the 16GB version when purchased in bulk. That's damn cheap, and likely far less than the $600 premium already quoted for the 1.8-inch 32GB SSD from SanDisk. When? Q2, that's when. Can you wait?Update: Bad news: DigiTimes now states that the Ritek 1.8-inch, 16GB and 32GB SSD cards will cost $270 (not $169 as originally reported) and $475, respectively. Still, not bad.
Hands-on with SanDisk's 32GB SSD
You love 'em, can't live without 'em... and sadly, can't afford them either. Yes, we're talking about that lovable slab of flash dubbed the Solid State Disk, or SSD. SanDisk is showing their 32GB madman right here at CES. Better yet, they're happy to let us know that within a year from launch, they should drop in price by some 60%. So we're talking 32GB SSDs for what, $250 by Q2 of 2008? Golly. Hands on with SanDisk's 32GB SSD
SanDisk announces 32GB SSD: prices begin to fall
If yesterday's announcement by Samsung was a tiny step in the direction of solid state disk (SSD) ubiquity, then today's announcement by SanDisk is a freakin' leap. That's right, the big bad daddy of consumer flash -- SanDisk -- joins Samsung and TDK today with a 32GB SSD drive all their own. The 1.8-inch SSD delivers a sustained read-rate of 62MBps and a random read rate of 7,000 inputs/outputs per second (IOPS) for a 512-byte transfer – more than 100 times faster than most hard disk drives. Fine, but the most notable detail in the press release is the price. According to SanDisk, their 32GB SSD could increase the end-user price by "around $600" when released in laptops computers in the first half of 2007. That's down -- way down -- from the $900 to $1,400 premium we were paying for SSD equipped gear. Come 'ere, group hug all.
Samsung's high-density 16Gb NAND flash released: cheaper, faster SSDs on the way
We're chomping at the bit for Solid State Disk (SSD) drives in our laptops here at Engadget HQ. The durability of flash coupled with the cut in weight, extended battery life, silent operation, and boost in boot and sleep recovery times almost makes us dig deep -- really deep -- for the luxury. Well, SSD ubiquity takes a tiny step forward today with Samsung releasing their new high-density (50-nanometer) 16Gb multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory modules for sample. These modules are destined for SSDs, external memory cards, or for packing into the latest "world's slimmest" cellphone. Samsung's first 50-nm NAND modules double the read speed of conventional MLC NAND (not SLC NAND) while increasing write performance by 150%. Mass production begins in Q1 2007 which will undoubtedly bring along a drop in price to the existing, not-exactly-lethargic 32GB SSDs already loosed on the market. Oh tiny wafers of mobility, how we love thee.
Fujitsu's Lifebook Q and B laptops get 32GB SSD
In a trend we see as nothing but good, Fujitsu just announced the availability of Samsung's 16GB or 32GB Solid State Disks in their Lifebook Q and B series laptops. Just prepare to throw down heavy on the Yen son, 'cause the SSD option demands a significant ¥84,000/¥168,000 (about $703/$1,406) premium for that flash durability, cut in weight, extended battery life, and supposed 25-to-50% reduction in boot and sleep recovery times. However, check that video of two HDD and SSD systems booting side-by-side which we can only assume are otherwise identical... not exactly twice as fast, eh? [Via Impress]
Sony's Vaio UX, now with 32GB of Solid State Disk
Sony continues kickin' out the updates on the VAIO UX lineup with a new 32GB Solid State Disk option for those tempted to drop Yen in Japan. And tempted they will be since the larger capacity SSD brings sufficient capacity for XP and MS Office without the heat and vibration associated with the current 40GB hard disk. What's more, that SSD smokes the HDD's read/write times while extending battery life, dropping the weight, and cutting OS boot and sleep recovery times by half in the process. You'll pay for the privilege though with the 16GB SSD option already demanding a pricey ¥60,000 premium (about $515) which should bump the take-home price to right around 3 grand. Still if given the choice between this and the $2,663 Q1-SSD with that same 32GB SSD and OS, well, we'd probably take our chances on the UX dontchathink?[Via Impress]
TDK's 32GB Solid State Disk joins the party
Samsung's been hogging the Solid State Disk limelight for months with their 32GB SSD first peeped at CeBIT. So it does our invisible hand some good to hear TDK launch their version of the 32GB SSD, albeit in sample quantities only for the time being. TDK's unit connects to a standard IDE connector yet measures in at 80 percent the size of standard 2.5-inch laptop drive. And like the Sammy SSD, we expect to see some blazin' reads and writes with better protection against shock, faster OS boots and sleep recovery times, longer battery life and reduced weight when TDK gets around to mass production. So for now, all we really want to say is welcome to the party TDK. Now how 'bout driving down that premium pricing, mkay?
Samsung's 4GB Vista flash SSD, under $200?
After Samsung announced a new solid state drive yesterday, they came back today to clarify a few things. First off, they come in 2.5-inch and 1.8-inch form factors for mounting in standard PC case slots -- as one might've expected. Second, they're meant for high-end PC users who want to improve performance under Windows Vista to take advantage of Vista's "Ready Boost" feature, which we're sure is a part of the flash-based drive enhancements they've made (see: hybrid hard drives) to improve the lumbering behemoth's performance. Oh, and watch out for these drives to start appearing as OEM upgrades in "Vista Ready" PCs before they supposedly show up for the after-market at or under $200. Clear 'nuff?
