May 24, 2006 Samsung has announced the imminent release of one of the world’s highest performance laptops. In addition to being the world's first PCs embedded with a 32-Gigabyte (GB) NAND flash-based solid state disk (SSD), the PCs are completely silent, far more robust, have an instant-on for viewing multimedia content, reads 300 percent faster (53MB/s) and writes 150 percent quicker (28MB/s) and boots up to 50% faster on the SSD than on computers with traditional hard disk drives. This marks the first time that NAND flash has moved into a commercial mobile computing application and could be the first step towards replacing hard disk drives. The Korea-only PCs also include (weep) embedded DMB (satellite) TV receivers for digital television (Korea recently launched a DMB service. Korea’s leap to technological leadership is no accident and Governments of the world should take note of the benefits of providing the most up-to-date telecommunications technologies to its population.
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 NT-Q1-SSD------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------- Intel(R) Celeron(R) M 753 Intel(R) Celeron(R) MProcessor (1.2GHz) 353 (900 MHz)------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------Memory 1 SODIMM Socket, DDR2 400 MHz, 1 SODIMM Socket, DDR2 512 MB 400 MHz, 512 MB------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------LCD 12.1" WXGA (1280 x 768) TFT-LCD 7" WVGA (800 x 480) TFT-LCD------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------Graphic Intel GMA 900 Intel GMA 900------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------Video Memory DVMT DVMT------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------Storage 32GB SSD 32GB SSD------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------External ODD Ultra-slim (9.5mmH) Super-multi Drive (Red) -------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------- Modem/Lan Combo, WLAN (802.11 10/100 Ethernet, MiniCommunications b/g) card WLAN (802.11 b/g), Bluetooth v2.0------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------TV / DMB Embedded DMB Embedded DMB------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------Keyboard 83-key Korean Keyboard Keyboard and Organizer Package included------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------- SRS 3D Sound Support, 16-bit SRS 3D Sound Support, Stereo, SB Pro compatible, 16-bit Stereo, SB ProAudio Internal Stereo Speaker (2W x 2) compatible, Internal Stereo Speaker (2W x 2)------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------Power 60W AC adapter (110-240 free 60W AC adapter (110-240 volt) free volt)------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------- Li-ion Battery Li-ion BatteryBattery Standard 3-Cell Standard 3-Cell Extended 6-Cell Extended 6-Cell------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------- 287.7 x 197.5 x 18.0 - 23.8 227.5 x 139.5 x 24.5 - Dimension mm (without battery) 26.5 mm (without battery)------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------Weight 1.14 kg 751 g(w/o Option) (HDD onboard notebook: 1.16kg) (HDD onboard notebook: 777g)------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------