Intel introduces line of NAND flash drives
updated 05:30 pm EDT, Mon March 12, 2007
Intel NAND flash drives
As a sign of the decreasing costs of NAND memory, due in part to the Apple iPod, Intel has announced the creation of a line of flash drives, the first being the Z-U130 Value Solid-State Drive. The primary advantage to flash is speed, since programs and other files can be loaded near-instantaneously; the Z-U130, for example, will be able to read at 28MB/s, and write at 20MB/s. The drive will have a USB 2.0 interface, and come in 1, 2, 4 and 8GB capacities.
Whether or not it will be sold alone is uncertain, but Intel does expect it to be used in a number of consumer products, such as gaming hardware or low-cost desktop and notebook computers. Businesses may see the drive in routers, servers and point-of-sale terminals. No exact prices or release dates have been mentioned.
