Toshiba Releases Blade X-gale SSD Series To The Masses

[Michael Essany]

In a move that will make it easier for Apple fans to replace the solid state drive in their MacBook Air (should the need to do so arise), Toshiba has formally unveiled plans to push its Blade X-gale SSD series - that which is contained within the new MacBook Air - to the public via mass market availability. When will it be available? According to Toshiba, right away.

We should point out, however, that Toshiba isn't readily admitting that their release is identical to the fantastically sleek SSD in Apple's MacBook Air. BUT, both drives have something very similar in common, specifically, the identical model numbers and storage capability - 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB. As a result, it's a pretty sweet development that the Blade X-gale series won't be limited in availability to the tech giants and electronics makers of the world. Now, general consumers and even savvy modders have a new toy with which they can play.

"Delivering a product that enables superior user experience in a smaller footprint is the ultimate goal," says Scott Nelson, vice president, Memory Business Unit, at Toshiba. "The density of MLC NAND enables the creation of smaller form factor high density storage solutions, and Toshiba, as the technology leader for NAND storage solutions, will continue to innovate in this space."

Toshiba

[vruls]

Cool.

[Poseidon79]

So can I buy a 256GB stick and replace the 128GB in my 11" MBA?

[EskimoRuler]

So can I buy a 256GB stick and replace the 128GB in my 11" MBA?

I was thinking the same thing, trying to see some options here than just replacement

[doitchinkstyle]

so apple is perfectly fine with all this right? not going to void any warranties?

[greek.guy]

^^i doubt it!

this is awesome though

[Melech518]

So can I buy a 256GB stick and replace the 128GB in my 11" MBA?

YES! I am going to order one as soon as it becomes available

^^i doubt it!

this is awesome though

Well what other reason would they have for making these? However I do understand the skepticism. The specs do not list a max. Hard Drive...
MacBook Air "Core 2 Duo" 1.4 11" (Late '10) Specs (Late 2010, MC505LL/A*, MacBookAir3,1, A1370, 2393*) @ EveryMac.com

[Puka1701]

so apple is perfectly fine with all this right? not going to void any warranties?

Why wouldn't they? As far as I know, you can replace the hard drive in any other Mac(Book) without warranty issues. This is no different.

[Matt V.]

Would this work on my 13 inch MacBook Pro in terms of swapping out the memory? I think my laptop is like 75 GB if I'm not mistaken by the way.

[sziklassy]

So what's the cost? This doesn't matter to me so much if the cost turns out t be incredibly steep (which I don't doubt it will be).

[athleticswimmer]

Cool.

hhmmm....seems to me this guy doesnt give a crap about this thread and only posted to be first or he just wants to be leveled up so when people look at how many comments he posted they go "whoa this guys good".

[mattoligy]

hhmmm....seems to me this guy doesnt give a crap about this thread and only posted to be first or he just wants to be leveled up so when people look at how many comments he posted they go "whoa this guys good".

And what was the point in Your post exactly? :-p

[longshot22]

And what was the point in Your post exactly? :-p

He's just pointing out that the other guy did what he wanted to do first, and now he's a little sore about it. Game recognizes game, that's all.

BTW, I love the idea of being able to upgrade the MacBook Air. I'm gonna order one!

[whereswaldo]

Wow, those are small. Maybe in a few years we'll be seeing them in iPhones and iPods

[gary86]

If price isn't too crazy i might go to the 256

[farfromovin]

Wow, those are small. Maybe in a few years we'll be seeing them in iPhones and iPods

That's what I'm hoping. I'm pretty bummed that Apple didn't double the available memory in the IP4 this year

[whereswaldo]

That's what I'm hoping. I'm pretty bummed that Apple didn't double the available memory in the IP4 this year

They would of had to of made it bigger to do that, because the chips used in iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and iPod nano only come in up to 32GB. The reason that they can have 64GB iPod touches and iPads is that they have room for two chips in it

[todanator]

Not having 256GB in an 11" Air is the only thing keeping me from buying one! Hope this works!

[wolverinemarky]

nice

[Snozberries]

hhmmm....seems to me this guy doesnt give a crap about this thread and only posted to be first or he just wants to be leveled up so when people look at how many comments he posted they go "whoa this guys good".

should we thank him?!?!