Toshiba launches 256GB solid state drives

Samples of both the 256GB SSD and the Flash Modules are available now, with mass production following in the fourth quarter of the year.

Toshiba’s new high density SSD brings 256GB of capacity and an original MLC controller that achieves higher read-write speeds, parallel data transfers and wear levelling to a 2.5-inch form factor drive. Alongside this, Toshiba provides support for the growing market for small, stripped down netbook computers and other personal equipment with the launch of Flash Modules - small SSDs supporting 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB densities.

The new 256GB SSD mounts NAND flash memory on a 70.6mm (L) x 53.6mm (W) x 3.0mm (H) platform to provide a storage solution with higher speeds and lower power consumption than HDD alternatives. In addition, as there are no mechanical parts SSD products are also more robust and reliable than HDD counterparts. As a result, Toshiba’s new drive offers performance characteristics that are essential for today’s mobile applications: highly reliable, high density data storage and support for fast data transfer rates. Maximum read speed is 120MB/s and maximum write speed 70MB/s, via a high speed SATA 3.0Gb/s interface.

Flash Modules are fabricated on a 50mm x 30mm platform and offer maximum read and write speeds of 80MB/s and 50MB/s respectively. Flash Modules are also compatible with the SATA interface. They will support continued development of the fast growing market for netbook PCs, UMPCs and mobile and peripheral applications by offering developers a wider range of SSD for integration in differentiated products.

Toshiba will continue to promote innovations that widen the horizons of the NAND Flash market and support its continued leadership in that market. The company will spur demand for SSD in notebook PCs, laptops and digital consumer products by enhancing its line-up, offering products with different densities and interfaces in a range of packages, while advancing device performance.