Mitsubishi releases 1.2Gb flash drives

Mitsubishi has released a new line of high-performance, solid-state flash drives with memory capacities of up to 1.2Gb.

Mitsubishi has released a new line of high-performance, solid-state flash drives with memory capacities of up to 1.2Gb.

Configured around Mitsubishi's 256Mbit flash memory chips, the new range is designed to be used with portable and desktop computer applications. The drives come in a 2.5in IDE AT form factor and have no moving parts.

The Japanese manufacturer claims that solid-state drives offer the highest level of reliability. Connection to any computer-based IDE system is via the standard 44-pin hard drive interface, powered by a single 5v supply.

The drives read and write 3.5Mb and 2Mb respectively, and are expected to provide a life of 300,000 program/erase cycles. As well as the 1.2Gb version, the flash drive is also available in capacities of 128Mb, 256Mb, 512Mb and 640Mb.

As with standard hard disk drives, the flash drives are user-configurable for master, slave or cable select operation.

They are also compliant with the operational and power-saving commands frequently used on laptops.

The drives are available now with prices ranging from £200 for the 128Mb version to £2000 for the 1.2Gb version.