The New SATA SSD Interface For Netbooks
The Intel Developer Forum this Monday will introduce a new SATA interface, designed to standardize solid-state storage components to be used in netbooks and notebooks.
The new interface will be called the mini-SATA )or m-SATA) and use IDF as a platform. It will be the smallest connector ever for SATA, and will be similar in part to those currently used in desktop hard drives to connect to the rest of the computer.
Netbooks and laptops have made quite a bit of use of SATA SSDs, as they are smaller and more efficient than hard disk drives. Most SSDs fit a 2.5-inch or 1.8-inch form factor. However, smaller modules can be used by some smaller devices. This created a need for mSATA, which will ship a standard setup in order to reduce drive costs.
Knut Grimsrud of the SATA International Organization explained that the interface are specified for 32 GB and 64 GB chips, supporting transfer rates between 1.5 and 3 GB/s. This could mean SSDs will finally be cheaper for netbooks.
Via PCWorld.
RunCore Introduces Netbook and Notebook SSDs
Quite a few netbooks are currently offered with solid state drives, but exactly how reliable are these SSDs? Some models tend to slow down netbook/notebook performance while others may be noticeably slower than regular hard drives.
Some companies (RunCore, for example) offer solid state drives that don’t sacrifice performance for stability. Recently, RunCore has announced their new line of solid state drives that are ideal for use in netbooks and notebooks.
RunCore’s SSDs range from 32GB to 256GB each. Netbook users would most likely be interested in the 128GB or less models since netbooks aren’t document/file-heavy machines anyway. According to Liliputing, “RunCore’s new Pro IV SSDs are available as 1.8? disks, 2.5? disks, and PCI-E disks, with SATA and PATA versions.”
These disks are rumored to be available by this upcoming August. The 32 GB model starts at around $179.99 while the 256 GB models will cost about $899.99. Other details about these disks can be found in RunCore’s press release.
Via Liliputing.
New Super Talent SSDs For ASUS Netbook Storage
A new line of SSDs for netbooks is being announced by Super Talent. The new SSDs are designed for users wanting to upgrade “Asus Eee 900, 901, 901A, 901 GO, and S101 netbooks” for more, faster storage.
The SSDs come both MLC format, with read speeds up to 150 MB/s and writing up to 100 MB/s, and SLC, with reading up to 170 MB/s and writing at 130 MB/s.
You can get 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB for the MLC version, which sells at $85.99, $125.99, and $219.99 respectively. The SLC SSD comes in 16 GB or 32 GB.
Via SlipperyBrick.
