Solid state drives are astonishingly fast and there’s no question they’re the storage of the future. As soon as the price comes down a little every computer will have one. The speed difference in how fast your programs load is mind blowing. Your computer will start up in seconds and your web browser will open in a flash. Toshiba is at the forefront of the solid state drive industry with lots of options for you. You can get a sizable 256GB solid state drive in a 2.5 inch case that will store all the files, music, and even movies you need.
If you want an even slimmer case they have a 128GB solid state drive for your laptop in a 1.8 inch case. That’s tiny! The read speed is a maximum of 200MBps, which is staggering, and the write speed comes in at 180MBps. The SSD market is rapidly expanding so the prices will come down as more drives are ordered and the costs go down. If you have the money to afford a SSD you should jump on one right now because the difference really will blow your mind. Once you get one you’ll never want to go back, that’s for sure.
Intel Introduces Inexpensive Dual-?ore and Quad-Core Chips
Intel Corp has introduced a new inexpensive versions of is Core 2 Quad processor, the Q8200, and a dual-core Celeron 450.
The Q8200 processor is a quad-core chip that runs on 2.33-GHz and only has 4 Megabytes of L2 cache. This has to be the smallest level-2 cache size in Intel’s 45nm Core 2 Quad family, compared to 6 – 12 Mbytes that other Core 2 Quad chips contain, and this will most likely affect the system performance in a negative way. Also the price reduction became possible because of omission of VT and TXT technologies (VT is a virtualization system that allows to run multiple virtual systems on a single chip, and TXT is Intel’s hardware-based security feature). However, it is still a quad-core CPU and its announced price of $224 makes it a really attractive choice.
The other chip that was released was the Intel Celeron 450. It is a 2.2-GHz dual-core CPU priced at only $53 which means it’s 25% less expensive that other dual-core Celerons that Intel sells.
Samsung announces inexpensive high-performance SATA II SSDs
Samsung Electronics Co has announced that it is going to start producing ultra-compact, low-density, higher-performance SSDs for laptops and desktops. Available in 8 Gb, 16 GB and 32 GB capacities, these new inexpensive drives are only 30% of the size of traditional 2.5-inch SSDs.
The drives use high-performance SATA II controller and provide an impressive sequential read speed of 90MB/s and a write speed of up to 70MB/s (in a 32 GB model). All in all, if lead an active life and spend a lot of time with your laptop in the field, this new drive may be just for you. The SS drive has no moving parts, is impervious to vibration and, with a life-span of 2 million hours, will gladden you with both performance and durability.
The production of the new SSDs will begin next month, so stay tuned.
WD My Book World Edition: 2-TB network hard disk
Western Digital has just presented the new WD My Book World Edition external hard disk designed for constant backup of multiple PCs connected to a home network that operates as Network-attached storage device. Since there is usually more than one computer in a household these days, the home networks connected to a router (wireless or wired) are becoming more and more widespread. For those looking for an easy solution to automatically backup data from all their home PCs, WD has designed this external network hard disk.
WD My Book comes in a white case that look like a hardback book, with a 1 or 2 Tb hard disk drive inside, and only requires a connection to the router through the gigabit Ethernet interface. You then can connect to it through your browser and set up all needed parameters and options. The My Book World Edition is compatible with PC, Mac, and all other devices with DLNA support, including Xbox 360, PS3, digital photo frames, and some models of TVs.
If your ISP provides you with a static IP address, you can make your My Book accessible from anywhere in the world by configuring the network router. Not only that, with the help on the included software you can easily recover deleted or corrupted files and set user quotas. If you already have other USB storage devices, you can connect them to a My Book and instantly make them available to all the computers in your network.
There are two versions of the WD My Book World Edition offered by WD: a 1-terabyte version ($229.99) and a 2-terabyte one (will be released in March 2009 and sell for $449.99).
Targus SuperSpeed Docking Station – Power and Compatibility
The Targus SuperSpeed docking station has been released in the market with the makers guaranteeing that the device is the most PC compatible docking station made yet. The docking station is designed to fit any computer or a notebook so those who usually change laptop models every year do not have to worry about this device becoming obsolete. This is a feature that will surely get the attention of laptop aficionados. The Targus 3.0 docking stations will be an excellent investment as the makers made sure that it will still be compatible to any models set to be released in the next few years. The main improvement of the Targus 3.0 from its previous models is its added power efficiency and increase in data transfer rates. The docking station is able to connect to multiple devices, which eliminates the need to buy several docks. The added feature of laptop charging makes for a truly strong combination of power and compatibility.
Benefits of the Device
The main benefit of the Targus SuperSpeed docking station is its ability to multi-task and run multiple programs at once. The device can accommodate this as it is equipped with a DVI port and HDMI port, which allows it to run triple displays from one laptop. This basically means that the device can run multiple HD displays by using its input ports. This allows users to have visual access in multiple places without having to flip through pages and windows which can take up valuable time. The USB-to-video functionality is also enabled in the Targus 3.0 docking station as it is compatible to virtually all video and camera devices such as high resolution webcams and video surveillance equipment, video displays, digital still and video cameras, and even external media such as Blu-ray. Other features of the device include Gigabit Ethernet port, 2ft US 3.0 cable, power adapter, and 7 power tips.
The Targus SuperSpeed docking station will surely be a hot item for users seeking multiple and peripheral connectivity. Today’s mobile gadgets and laptops are so high-powered that they need a device that can support its performance demands and the Targus 3.0 can certainly live up to this task. Targus is certainly a pioneer when it comes to technology business solutions and their latest device is no exception. With the device’s combination of compatibility and power, along with its flexibility and ability to run multiple programs, it will surely be a hit to gadget enthusiasts.
SanDisk 8GB Cruzer Micro U3 USB2.0 Flash Drive
SanDisk has started shipping 8GB Cruzer Micro USB flash drives that implement new U3 smart technology. The USB drive has an amber-colored LED indicator that lights up when the drive is connected and ready to use.
The U3 technology was co-invented by SanDisk and allows for not only storing your images, videos and other kinds of files on a flash drive, but also installing and running software from it. This is essential for people who often need to run U3-compatible applications, such as Skype or Opera, from different locations, while preserving their data and user settings and keeping them safe. You can take your passwords, favorites, wallpapers, profiles and preferences to any other computer, wherever you go, and work in a comfort of your familiar user environment.
Thanks to the retractable USB connector, there’s no need for a cap for this flash drive and thus you’ll never risk losing one. The SanDisk 8GB Cruzer Micro stick is about 2 inches long and 0.5-inch wide.
LapWorks presents Futura laptop desk
If you frequently use your laptop while sitting in bed or on a couch, you’re going to like this new fantastic laptop desk, Futura by LapWorks. In fact, this ingenuity can act both as a laptop desk and a stand, you can unfold it and see how convenient it is to have your laptop raised to your eye level.
The laptop desk has two mouse pads on both sides, heavy duty hinges and multiple rubber grips to keep the laptop secure on it. Its height can be adjusted to 5 different levels and it can perfectly fit a 17-inch laptop.
Weighing only 1 pound, Futura laptop desk would be great both for gamers, home users and the constant travelers. Its price is only $29.95, so grab it now!