OCZ has announced its latest SATA-300 2.5" SSD series called Core. Available in 32 GB (USD 169), 64 GB (USD 259), 128 GB (USD 479) capacities, disks from this series deliver up to 143 MB/s read speeds and up to 93 MB/s write speeds, measure 3 15/16" x 2 3/4" x 3/8" (100.2 x 70 x 9.5 mm), weight 2.7 oz (77 g) and have a two-year warranty.
Western Digital has just launched a new hard disk drives series called Black Caviar. Hard disk drives from this series are 7,200 rpm SATA-300 units with 32MB of cache, two controller chips and are available in 750 GB (WD7501AALS, US$ 199) and 1 TB (WD1001FALS, US$ 249) capacities.
OCZ expands its flash memory lineup with the new Spyder USB 2.0 flash drive, available in 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB capacities. Spyder comes with a very interesting design: instead of using a typical removable cap that may get lost and leave the connector plug exposed to possible damage, it uses a sliding cap, as you can see on the picture below.
Silicon-Power releases its latest high-capacity USB flash drive – Ultima 150. With soft touch feel by full body aluminum brush surface, the non-scratch design comes in two colors, sapphire blue and mysterious purple. It bundles with the advanced security software-the SmartKit, to help users to compress the data and in return to save more storage space on the remaining capacity. Ultima 150 series is now available in 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB.
Transcend introduced a 8GB version of its JetFlash 110 USB 2.0 Flash Drive, with a capless design that includes a retractable USB connector with lock-switch.
It supports Windows Vista ReadyBoost technology, which allows using flash drives as extra memory to improve computer performance. JetFlash elite includes seven functions: Website AutoLogin, PC-Lock, Mobile Favorites with NoTrace browsing, Secret-Zip encryption, Mobile E-mail, DataBackup and Online Update. It is now available in 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities.
Transcend introduces StoreJet 35 Ultra, an eSATA/USB 2.0 external storage device. The device measures 197.5mm x 127.5mm x 48mm and features an aluminum case designed for 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. With two convenient connection options, the StoreJet 35 Ultra not only guarantees the fastest possible hard drive speeds with its 3.0Gb/s eSATA interface, but also assures maximum compatibility with all types of computers via its 480Mb/s USB 2.0 connection interface.
It comes with StoreJet elite software that offers backup scheduling, security, and file compression functions. Transcend's StoreJet 35 Ultra supports all commonly used operating systems, including Windows 2000 / XP / Vista, Mac and Linux. Now available with either a pre-installed 500GB SATA hard drive, or without a drive for installing your own 3.5" SATA hard drive.
HighPoint Technologies releases the RocketRAID 2640X4, with a PCI-Express x4 SAS RAID 5 controller. It supports RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD) and offers the flexibility to be able to support either 15,000 RPM SAS hard drives for performance or low cost SATA hard drives for capacity. Performance bottlenecks occur with PCI-Express x1 bus speeds limiting SAS performance throughput to SATA speeds.
Disks with SAS interfaces are designed to meet the performance and reliability characteristics required for enterprise-class server arrays and RAID systems, says the manufacturer. The ability to deploy either type of drives allows the computer system to be optimized for specific application and cost requirements.
Silicon-Power launches its 128 GB 2.5-inch SATA/ IDE Solid State Disk. It delivers higher data transfer rate than traditional hard drives and ensures better performance when installing in notebook or desktop computers.
It has built-in Error Correction Code (ECC) and carries shockproof, anti-vibration and noiseless features. The 2.5-inch SATA/ IDE SSD is currently available in 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB capacities. The disk has dimensions of 100 mm x 69.85 mm x 9.1 mm and weights 110 g.
LaCie announced a new 500 GB Rugged Hard Disk. Designed by Neil Poulton, the LaCie Rugged features a scratch-resistant aluminum shell and a shock-resistant rubber bumper.
The 500GB Rugged utilizes a Hitachi Travelstar 5K500, 2.5-inch internal hard disk, abd it is available in USB 2.0, FireWire 400 or FireWire 800 version.
This Rugged version comes preloaded with LaCie Setup Assistant, a proprietary utility that formats the drive according to your needs (Mac, Windows, or cross-platform environments) and automatically copies the user manual and utilities to the computer. The utilities provided include LaCie ‘1-Click’ Backup Software for both PC and Mac and SilverKeeper for Mac.
The 500GB Rugged can store up to 710 movies, 135,000 songs, or 550,000 photos.
Western Digital released the WD VelociRaptor 2.5" hard drive now with 300 GB of capacity. The 10,000 RPM SATA hard drive combines a SATA 3 Gb/s interface and 16 MB cache and features transfer rate of 120 MB/s.
Onnto releases TD-M12O SATA HDD enclosure, designed for using the high capacity 3.5" HDD with 500GB or above. The cooling fan inhales an air blowing toward the HDD and the vents on the bottom case drain the warm air out.
TD-M12O provides quadruple interface with an eSATA connector, USB 2.0 or FireWire (400 and 800). The HDD spin down function ensures efficient operation by reducing power consumption with sleep mode.
The advanced anti-shock chamber and shock absorbers protect the HDD against impact damage, accidental drops and bumps.
Sharkoon releases the new SATA QuickPort PRO, a new hard drive docking station with 2-port USB hub, SD/SDHC/MMC/MS memory card reader and eSATA connection. The docking station is compatible with 2.5" and 3.5" drives. Customers can find the Sharkoon SATA QuickPort first in Europe for 37 euros (USD 59).
Transcend introduced a new 16GB JetFlash 168, with a design inspired by ancient oriental culture. According to Transcend, intricately etched lotus blossom motif that symbolizes purity and perfection. It has compact dimensions (61mm x 18.6mm x 9.8mm) and lightweight design.
The JetFlash 168 offers support for Windows Vista ReadyBoost technology which lets you use your flash drive as extra memory to speed up your computer.
Super Talent released three new 8GB USB Flash drives, including the world’s smallest 8GB drive.
These new drives include: PICO-A, with a swivel lid; the retractable PICO-B; and ultra small PICO-C. Super Talent’s patented PICO series USB drives are manufactured using chip-on-board (COB) technology, which enables up to 8GB of Flash storage to fit into an incredibly minute case. PICO-C drives weigh less than a nickel (about 4.7 grams) and measure only 31.3mm x 12.4mm x 3.4mm.
PICO series drives are shock resistant, storing data securely even under adverse conditions. They also support read speeds upwards of 30MB/sec (200X).
The ultra-small PICO-C drive is priced around USD 37.
The Western Digital's external HDs My Passport Essential are now available in 11 diferent colors. Available in 120 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB and 320 GB, they are powered directly through the USB cable and works with Windows and Mac. They have serial bus transfer rate (USB 2.0) of up to 480 Mbits/s and weighs 0.40 pounds (0.18kg).
