14 DAY TRIAL // Lexar announced a new line of solid-state drives, an improved version of their successful Crucial series. The drives are more energy-aware and offer more flexibility in operation than the classical hard-disk drives.
The Crucial solid-state drives will be available in two flavors: the 32 GB and the 64 GB versions, depending to the users' storage needs. The drives are completely compatible with the hard-disk drives and can be connected to either a desktop or a laptop PC without performing any modifications in the system. Lexar's drives connect via a SATA-II interface that allows a data transfer rate of 3.0 GB/s. The storage material is enclosed in a 2.5-inch casing, which makes mounting hassle-free.
"Crucial is known for enabling everyday consumers to take advantage of cutting-edge technology," said Terrence Groth, Lexar Media's worldwide product marketing manager. "Crucial offers user-friendly online compatibility and educational tools, as well as an external drive kit that allows users to install the SSD in their desktop system or use it as a portable storage device."
Moreover, Lexar has announced the availability of the Crucial SK01 External Drive Storage Kit, that allows the user connect the Crucial solid-state drive to a desktop computer via a free USB port. The SK01 kit will allow users enjoy their solid-state drive just by plugging the drive in like any Flash-based disks. Moreover, the kit includes a 2.5-inch USB 2.0 external enclosure as well as a 3.5-inch SATA 3.0Gb/s hot-swappable drive bay for internal mounting.
The hot-swap capability allows the user add or remove a Lexar solid-state drive while the system is powered on . The procedure is completely safe, but hot-swap features are not available on the disk that hosts the current operating system. Unplugging that disk at run-time will render the system inoperable and may corrupt user's data.
The Crucial solid-state drives have no spin-up time, seek time, or rotational latency, which makes them the ideal candidate in high-speed systems. The drives use less than 2 watts of active power and are extremely resistant to mechanical shocks (1,500G/0.5msec) and vibration (20G - 20-2000Hz).