Solid-state drives (SSDs) are finally becoming feasible (if expensive) options for notebook computers, with mainstream computer makers from Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Fujitsu, Apple and more offering flash-based SSDs in place of conventional hard drives in some of their notebook computer offerings. But where SSDs are more reliable, consume less power, and start up faster than traditional SSDs, there are two areas in which (so far) they don’t compare to their platter-and-head ancestors: capacity and cost.
Although cost is likely to remain an issue until markets significantly re-align, companies are working to address the capacity gap. South Korea’s Mtron has just announced a 120 GB SSD that’s a drop-in replacement for standard 1.8-inch hard drives used in notebook computers.
Mtron’s 120 GB drive uses a PATA interface that supports read speeds of up to 120 MB/s and write speeds of up to 100 MB/s, which the company claims is about six times faster than current hard disk technology.
Mtron says the 120 GB SSD should go into production in April, meaning it will potentially appear as an option on selected notebook systems by mid-year. The company didn’t reveal any pricing information…but it’s safe to assume they won’t be cheap when they first appear.
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