I’m very interested in checking out the Samsung Q30 – the first notebook featuring a flash-based solid state disk. Yes the amount of storage will be significantly lower than a normal notebook, but the fact that the disk doesn’t have any moving part and is extremely quick is more important to me.

Full press release from Samsung:

SAMSUNG Electronics Launches the World’s First PCs with NAND Flash-based Solid State Disk

SEOUL, Korea – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the leader in digital media technology, will release the world’s first PCs embedded with a 32-Gigabyte (GB) NAND flash-based solid state disk (SSD). This marks the first time that NAND flash has moved into a commercial mobile computing application and is a breakthrough that will pave the way for replacing hard disk drives with NAND flash-based memory disks.

The Samsung Q1, an ultra-mobile computing device and the Q30, a 12.1-inch screen notebook PC, will be available in the Korean market from early June.

The two new SSD-enabled PC offerings are designed for optimal portability and resolve many of the traditional challenges of mobile computers. The data in flash memory are much more secure against external shocks that can occur when transporting a mobile computer. The SSD can withstand about twice the impact that would cripple a regular hard disk drive. In addition, stored data can be more easily retrieved from flash memory than traditional hard drives when PCs are dropped or liquid is spilled on the device. These mobile computing devices are the ideal solution for professionals and executives who are constantly on the move.

The SSD reads 300 percent faster (53MB/s) and writes 150 percent quicker (28MB/s) than normal hard drives. As a result, multiple application programs can operate simultaneously and large volumes of data can be edited and reproduced more efficiently.

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system will boot up 25-50% faster on the SSD than on other drives—good news for those in a hurry. Moreover, the typical 1.8-inch hard disk drive weighs around 50 grams; whereas the SSD is 20 to 30 grams lighter, depending on the package type.

The typical notebook PC will generate around 30dB of operating noise, while the Q30-SSD will operate in complete silence. This is an unprecedented feature for people who want to use their PC in a library or other places where noise is not allowed.

The Q1-SSD will show video or still photos as well as play audio without having to be booted up first. This “instant on” feature provides access to multimedia content such as digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) TV at least 30% faster than with a portable multimedia player (PMP).

DMB TV receivers are embedded in both PCs, which will bring extra enjoyment to users during this summer’s World Cup competition.

“PC models based on solid state disks have numerous advantages over traditional hard disk-based models. These include faster booting, greater durability, quieter operation, and increased battery life. The new Q30-SSD and Q1-SSD models are only the beginning. Samsung will continue to lead the market, introducing new portable PC models that bring these benefits to both consumers and enterprise users.” said Kim Hounsoo, Executive Vice President of the Computing Division of Samsung Electronics.

The retail price for the Q1-SSD will be KRW2.3 million (US$2,430), while the Q30-SSD will sell for KRW3.5 million (US$3,700).

Specifications
NT-Q30-SSD
Processor: Intel® Celero® M 753 (1.2GHz)
Memory: 1 SODIMM Socket, DDR2 400 MHz, 512 MB
LCD: 12.1″ WXGA (1280 x 768) TFT-LCD
Graphic: Intel GMA 900
Video Memory: DVMT
Storage: 32GB SSD
External ODD: Ultra-slim (9.5mmH) Super-multi Drive (Red)
Communications: Modem/Lan Combo, WLAN (802.11 b/g)
TV / DMB: Embedded DMB
Keyboard: 83-key Korean Keyboard
Audio: SRS 3D Sound Support, 16-bit Stereo, SB Pro compatible, Internal Stereo Speaker (2W x 2)
Power: 60W AC adapter (110-240 free volt)
Battery: Li-ion Battery Standard 3-Cell Extended 6-Cell
Dimension: 287.7 x 197.5 x 18.0 ~ 23.8 mm (without battery)
Weight: 1.14 kg (HDD onboard notebook: 1.16kg)

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