SanDisk's 64GB SSD is Smaller Than a Postage Stamp
Even as devices get smaller and thinner, one of the things keeping them from getting too small or thin are the components inside. For example, memory. Despite the fact hard drives (HD) and solid state drives (SSD) are already pretty small, we need them to get smaller if we want even smaller gadgets and toys. We just didn't expect it to get this small. SanDisk has officially unveiled their new 64GB SSD, which is smaller than a postage stamp.
But, just because something gets smaller, doesn't mean it's all that great. If you lose the size, but also start losing features, then there's no real point in making it at all, is there? Thankfully, SanDisk's new SSD didn't fall into this trap. The new chip can be connected together through the traditional SATA interface, which means you can chain these little guys together to make even bigger drives.
As for read and write times? They've got the new chip clocked at 160MB/sec for sequential read, and 100MB/sec for sequential write times. That's better than pretty good, especially considering the tininess involved here. And, we'll just assume that it's only going to get better. Only unfortunate part is that this isn't ready to hit mainstream devices quite yet, but hopefully sooner than later.
Press Release
Flash Memory Summit, Santa Clara, Calif., August 18, 2010-SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today announced the first product in a new category of embedded solid state drives (SSD) that are smaller than a postage stamp and offer higher capacities and performance than existing storage solutions. The SanDisk® integrated SSD (iSSD), the first high-capacity product within this new category, is designed for use in fast-growing mobile computing platforms such as tablet PCs and ultra-thin notebooks.
Computing platforms are responding to consumer demand for highly portable, ultra-thin, anywhere-anytime access to the Internet and their favorite content. The SanDisk iSSD drive is the first flash SSD device to support the industry standard SATA interface in a small BGA (Ball Grid Array) package that can be soldered onto any motherboard, and that is fast enough for use with advanced operating systems in next-generation mobile computing platforms.
"The new category of embedded SSDs should enable OEMs to produce tablets and notebooks with an unprecedented combination of thin, lightweight form factors and fast performance," said Doron Myersdorf, senior director, SSD marketing, SanDisk.
"With our embedded flash storage leadership, SanDisk believes it is uniquely positioned to deliver the ultra compact SSD solutions needed by OEMs."
"The ultra-thin tablet and mobile computer markets are expected to experience tremendous growth over the coming years, and new advanced platforms will introduce new requirements for storage solutions," said Jeff Janukowicz, research manager, solid state drives, IDC. "New embedded SSDs such as the SanDisk iSSD drive, which meet the stringent size requirements of small and light devices while offering greater performance, are designed to enable OEMs to deliver an enhanced user experience in their next-generation designs."
The SanDisk iSSD offers 160MB/sec sequential read and 100MB/sec sequential write speeds for greater system responsiveness*. With no moving parts, the tiny, robust drive is designed to deliver the durability needed by portable devices that are frequently dropped or jostled. SanDisk iSSD offers a substantial level of design flexibility for OEMs who seek to create the next generation of tablets and ultra thin mobile devices based on the standard SATA interface.
The SanDisk iSSD is available now for sampling to OEMs, and is being evaluated by top-tier manufacturers. Measuring 16mm x 20mm x 1.85mm and weighing less than one gram, the drive uses a BGA form factor and a SATA interface, and is compatible with all leading operating systems. SanDisk iSSD is available in capacities ranging from 4 gigabytes (GB)1 to 64GB, with pricing dependent upon the quantity ordered.