Samsung Laptop Replaces Hard Disk with Flash Memory

Samsung Electronics said that it will launch a laptop computer and a “ultra-computing device,” in early June. In these devices the hard drives will be replaced with 32 gigabytes of NAND flash memory. The laptop will be the first to use flash memory as the main storage device.

The Samsung Q1, described as an “ultra-computing device,” will be complemented by the Q30, a 12.1-inch notebook PC. The retail price for the Q1-SSD will be 2.3 million Korean won, (about $2,430), while the Q30-SSD will sell for 3.5 million won (about $3,700). Both will be available in Korea only.

The NT-Q1-SSD will weigh just 751 grams. Inside the case the ultraportable will house a 900-MHz Celeron M 353 microprocessor, a a 7-inch 800 x 480 TFT-LCD, 512 Mbytes of RAM, a GMA 900 integrated chipset, a 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection as well as IEEE 802.11b/g wireless LAN, internal sound, a DMB TV tuner, and either the 3-cell or 6-cell battery. The NT-Q1-SSD will measure 227.5 x 139.5 x 24.5 to 26.5 mm.

The use of flash memory will allow the laptop to enjoy several advantages. The Q30-SSD will operate in complete silence without harddisk or fan noise. The NT-Q30-SSD will include the 1.2 GHz Celeron 753, a 12.1-inch WXGA (1280×768) display, 512 Mbytes of RAM, an Intel GMA 900 integrated chipset, an ultraslim optical drive, 56K modem, IEEE 802.11g Wi-Fi, internal sound, a DMB digital TV tuner, and either a 3-cell or a 6-cell battery, all in a 1.14-kg (2.51 pounds) chassis. The notebook will measure 287.7 x 197.5 x 18.0 to 23.8 mm.

The two devices will boot approximately 25 percent to 50 percent faster, reading and writing data at 53 Mbytes/s and 23 Mbytes/s, respectively, which is significantly faster than a typical 4,200-RPM hard drive.

via ExtremeTech