Imation launches new ultra-thin internal Solid State Drives and Upgrade Kits

April 2, 2009 - PRLog -- Imation Corp. today launches a new class of powerful and ultra-thin Solid State Drives (SSD).  In addition, the company also provides a new easy-to-install SSD Upgrade Kit to help users make the transition from hard disk (HDD) to high-performance SSD technology.

Imation has seen a growing need for durable and energy-efficient storage products. With the introduction of these two new SSD products, both enterprise and PC users can combine powerful technology with superior design.

Both drives feature ultra-thin profiles and improved electro-static and physical shock resistance. Imation’s new internal SSD drives will be available in 2.5inch and 3.5 inch configurations, with capacities ranging from 32GB to 128GB. Later this year Imation will expand the portfolio with 256GB and 512GB SSD drives.

Imation M- and S-class SSD
The Imation M-Class SSD is ideal for home users who need fast, energy-efficient and durable drives, whether for their desktop PC, laptop, or for applications such as digital kiosks. Enterprise users can choose the Imation S-Class SSD for higher performance and energy efficiency. Its higher performance level and improvements in sequential write Input/output Operations Per Second (IOPS) perfectly suit applications such as web servers and RAID arrays.

Imation SSD Upgrade Kits
Imation provides specific kits for users who want to upgrade from traditional HDD to SSD-technology. The Upgrade Kit offers an easy way to upgrade an HDD-based notebook or desktop computer to a high performance SSD system and includes the following components:
-   An Imation SSD;
-   USB-to-SATA or SATA connector cable;
-   Power cable;
-   Acronis True Image HD™ software for migrating operating system, applications and data from an existing hard drive to the new SSD;
-   Easy-to-follow upgrade instructions.

Pricing and Availability
The new SSD products and Upgrade Kit are available through authorised Imation distributors, wholesalers, resellers and online retailers worldwide, starting at £108 (inc.VAT) for the 32GB M-Class SSD.

For product Images
http://www.imation.com/en/Support/Resource-Library/Produc...

About SSD-technology
SSD is a data storage technology using solid state memory. Without motors or moving parts, SSD deliver distinct advantages over hard disk drives; they are faster; more reliable; reduce heat and noise generation; and have greater durability and shock resistance.

About SLC and MLC
There are two types of cells known as single level cells (SLC) and multi-level cells (MLC). In order to reduce the cost of memory, designers developed a more complex MLC design that doubles the amount of memory on a single chip. The simpler, more expensive SLC uses one bit of data for each cell and holds that bit in one of two states: “1” for erased or “0” for programmed. The MLC design stores 2 bits in each cell in one of four possible states: “11” for erased, “10” for two thirds, “01” for one third, or “00” for programmed. MLC designs have a clear advantage in terms of density and lower cost of manufacturing, but their complexity necessitates more error checking. The enhanced EDC (error detection and correction) eats up part of the storage capacity MLC gains, and the extra complexity slows the memory chips down considerably. Simpler SLC chips can write up to three times faster than MLC chips and read over 40% faster. Durability tests suggest that SLC chips may also be more reliable than MLC chips. One study showed SLC chips capable of 100,000 read/write cycles compared to MLC’s 10,000 cycles. Certain requirements for faster read/write
cycles, such as Windows® ReadyBoost™, have lead to dual-channel MLC chips that are much faster than single MLC memory chips and competitive with SLC in terms of speed.

About Imation Corp.
Imation is a leading global developer and marketer of branded products that enable people to capture, save and enjoy digital information. Our world-class portfolio of digital storage products, audio and video electronics and accessories reaches customers through a powerful global distribution network. Our goal is a company with strong commercial and consumer businesses and continued long-term growth and profitability that creates shareholder value. Imation Corp.'s global brand portfolio, in addition to the Imation brand, includes the Memorex brand, one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry and the XtremeMac brand. Imation is also the exclusive licensee of the TDK Life on Record brand, one of the world's leading recording media brands. Additional information about Imation is available at www.imation.com.

Imation Corp, Imation brand, Memorex and XtremeMac’s logos are trademarks of Imation Corp. and its subsidiaries. The TDK Life on Record logo is a trademark of TDK Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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Imation Corp. is the only company in the world solely focused on the development, manufacture and supply of removable data storage products spanning the four pillars of magnetic, optical, flash and removable hard disk storage