According to the BBC's technology magazine Click, Dell is to offer 32Gb solid state flash memory hard drives by Sandisk as an option in some of its laptops. Flash memory can be both faster and more robust than the mechanical equivalent because it has no moving parts and doesn't rely on magnetic fields.
A few months ago, in an article I wrote about backup devices, I predicted that magnetic hard drives would be obsolete within 'five to six years'. It looks like I might have to revise that estimate downwards. I can see an era where magnetic tape will be completely redundant, magnetic hard drives will be used predominantly for bulk backup and most online storage for personal computers will be solid state flash memory - I now expect to see 500 Gb flash drives well within 5 years.
The effects of this could be significant, allow laptops in particular to become lighter and much faster.
Windows Vista and Office 2007 Done Right
TiGra Networks is pleased to be able to offer our own range of Office Ready PCs loaded with Windows Vista Business and Office 2007 Small Business Edition (other editions also available on request). Our PCs use the highest quality genuine brand name components throughout - Intel motherboard with Intel Core 2 Duo processor, at least 1 Gb RAM and integrated Intel graphics. They are screaming-fast even with the Vista Aero theme and will wake up from sleep and be ready-to-go faster than the monitor can respond. We have a choice of NEC TFT monitors starting at 15" and up, but we recommend at least 17". Parts are guaranteed for 1 year and we recommend purchasing our "Eye of the Tiger" managed support plan that will ensure you get trouble-free computing.
Concerned about Upgrading? Don't be.
I installed our first batch last week and my main concern was whether the users would take to the new user interfaces of Windows Vista and Office 2007. They are quite different from their predecessors and I was expecting some culture shock. However, I needn't have worried. Here are some of the comments I received:
"I love my new computer - I've bonded with it straight away".
"Wow, it's quick, isn't it!"
I can't think of a better testimonial.