SanDisk has released a solid state drive (SSD), which it says is an economical substitute for hard disk drives in low-cost PCs. However, it is not yet clear what the cost of the hard drive is, or how this will further reduce the price of low-cost laptops.
SanDisk says the Intel-powered classmate PC, intended for educational markets in emerging nations, will be the first computer to use this disk drive.
The drive is a USB module designed to be embedded directly onto the motherboard of low-cost PCs, according to a spokesman.
Test drives are available now. The drives will be offered for volume purchases in the fourth quarter.
"The low-cost educational PC category is an emerging market for flash storage, where low cost, ruggedness and low power consumption will be the primary factors for broad-based adoption," says Greg Rhine, senior VP and GM of SanDisk's consumer products division.
"We are proud to have been chosen for the Intel-powered classmate PC, a product that demonstrates how inexpensive SSDs can contribute to the worthy cause of improving education in the developing world," he says.
The disk supports a variety of operating systems, including Microsoft's Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Embedded, Windows Embedded for Point of Service and Windows CE, as well as Linux.
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