Sandisk works channel to push solid-state drives
Sandisk is looking for more distribution for its solid-state drives. On Thursday, the company announced that it will offer its line of solid-state drives through systems integrators, notably Ingram Micro, D&H Distributing and Bell Microproducts.
These systems builders can now integrate solid-state drives along with other components. SanDisk recently launched a 32-gigabyte solid-state drive that's compatible with most notebook designs.
In a statement, SanDisk's says its goal is to give solid-state drives, which are based on flash memory and compete with current hard drives, more play in enterprises and among small businesses. Previously, Sandisk drives were only available to PC manufacturers as a replacement for hard drives.
The systems integrators tabbed by SanDisk are expected to start shipping 32 GB units in October. SanDisk, which just opened its first production plant in China, plans to broaden its distribution in the first quarter of 2008.
The upshot: With SanDisk's increased distribution PC buyers will have more of a choice between hard disk and solid state drives. I'm not exactly qualified to tell you which one is better, but Robin Harris has more than few posts on the issue. Simply put, there are trade-offs between flash drives and hard disk drives you need to know about.
More reading:
- Will flash EVER replace disk?
- Flash drives: your mileage WILL vary
- Five things you never knew about flash drives
- Robin's disk drive post collection.