News Bits: Samsung 256GB SSD, VIA OpenBook, Intel Atom, and Windows 7

Samsung introduces world's thinnest 256GB SSD

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Image credit: HEXUS

Samsung has introduced the world's thinnest Solid State Disk (SSD), the MLC 256GiB. It has a 256GB capacity and a SATA II interface. Samsung says the read speed is 200Mbps and power consumption is only 0.9 Watts. The drive should be available around September of this year. While no price was given, this writer estimates at least two kidneys.

Full Story (HEXUS.net)

VIA unveils OpenBook ultraportable

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VIA Technologies Inc today introduced the new OpenBook mini-note reference design. It is desgined to compete in the continuously growing ultraportable notebook market.

The OpenBook is based on the next-generation VIA Ultra Mobile Platform. Key features include a C-7M ULV processor, all-in-one VX800 digital media IGP chipset, and an 8.9-inch screen, all in a 1 kg package. The OpenBook has high-speed broadband connectivity via a choice of WiMAX, HSDPA, and EV-DO/W-CDMA modules.

Full Story (ViaOpenBook.com)
Via (Laptoping.com)

Intel Atom dual-core processor coming in Q3

In the third quarter of this year Intel plans to introduce a dual-core Atom processor, the 330. The processor will run at 1.6GHz with 1MB of L2 cache and a 533MHz FSB. It will support four threads and have a TDP of only 8W.

Full Story (Fudzilla.com)
Via (Laptoping.com)

Windows 7 will work on recommended Vista hardware specs

Microsoft has released some new details about the upcoming Vista successor, Windows 7. The new OS will not features a new kernel as previously thought. Microsoft stated that "one of our design goals for Windows 7 is that it will run on the recommended hardware we specified for Windows Vista and that the applications and devices that work with Windows Vista will be compatible with Windows 7."

Windows 7 is supposed to ship around January 2010, and beta builds could be released as early as next year.

Full Story (WindowsVistaBlog.com)
Via (HEXUS.net)

Laptop losers: the ten worst security breaches

NetworkWorld is running a story on laptops and data loss. They list the ten largest known security breaches from lost or stolen laptops.

Full Story (NetworkWorld.com)
Special thanks to forum super moderator Tim for submitting this bit

 

Chaz, typo on topic title. 256MB it says

 

200Mbps? That's like what, 25MB/s? You sure that's right Chaz?

 

In the original article, it states 200M Bps...as in bytes.

 

Anyway...

Here's to Vista Mk 2 (said with all the love in the world).

The modularized approach seems to be a good one, and I don't find anything inherently wrong with the Vista kernel. Gamers will appreciate being able to deactivate or remove extraneous modules in order to improve FPS, but I suspect benchmarks will default to having all active. Tests will measure what games run at with "Windows Fully Active".

Eh, whatever. Also, I believe they mentioned that drive on another site as well, and it looks to be a real screamer (performance, not noise). That is what I think laptop users will be shooting for in the next few years.

 

I like the Vista kernel.

 

Wow, 256GBs, how much? lol.

 

I have high hopes for Window 7. Hopefully MS can produce...

 

Me too! I can't wait till it is released!

 

Atom should be an interesting deal if it manages to live up to the hype.

 

how much would two kidneys cost if there is a monetary value?

 

FYI, Kidney's cost about $15,000 each.

 

I think the Vista kernal is just fine. I have used Vista since it launched and Vista x64 for 3 months now and it is rock solid. I hope they offer a public beta so I can take a look at it.

 

According to Korean Site - K-Bench ( http://www.kbench.com/hardware/?no=55520&sc=1), the read speed is 200MB/s and the write speed is 160MB/s.

 

LOL I guess its priceless?

 

They're using the Vista kernel in 7? Sounds like they are indeed aiming for Vista ST (Second Try) and an incremental upgrade instead shiny new package I was hoping for. I'm disappointed, especially after reading about WinMin. Hopefully Microsoft learns how to optimize their products and remove bloat. Otherwise, I'll be sticking with XP longer than I expected.

 

"[...] desgined to compete in the continuously growing ultraportable notebook market [...] Key features include a C-7M ULV processor [...]"

That gave me a good laugh.

 

Emphatically seconded. Now I'm really glad I picked up two spare copies of XP Pro (legitimate, of course ) - just enough to last me on my next two systems until 2014, by which time I expect (hope ) to have figured out the basics of linux. It is with a certain amount of regret ('cause I'm lazy) that I say that it's looking more and more as if XP will be the last MS OS I own.

 

Personally the OpenBook is the item in this selection that interests me the most. I love the idea behind the Eee PC and all this competition can only be a good thing (unless they saturate the market ;_

The Cloudbook was a let down and I don't know how confident I am in VIA but I'll still be looking forward to hearing more about the OpenBook

 

The Vista kernel is not the cause of vistas problems, bloated software added on is, the Vista kernel is just as, if not more efficient then any similar Linux or Apple variant.

 

Vista 7 should be free all who bought vista

SSD's keeps getting better and better as consumers just sit and watch because they are too expensive.
BIG SSD SALES: One and a half kidneys per SSD, anyone??

 

why? People on this forum have found that there is no difference in speed anymore with XP (well nothing noticeable) And compatibility is overtaking XP and personally I've had no trouble playing games designed for windows 2000, and I very rarely hear of any actual problems that can't be solved within 5 minutes.

That said I would like to see Vista improved, mainly by getting rid of the build in anti spyware, defrag programs, and Vista interfering less in file transfers and the rest of the bloatware that no one ever uses or cares for.

 

the via openbook look interesting their new c7-m ulv has better benchmarks then the atom so might actually become a little succes

 

Woot! Let me in on Windows 7! Everyone wants to get their hands on a beta, since Windows itself is so stable and bug free, the betas are gonna be awesome!!!