Imation is moving into the SSD market apparently.
Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN) today announced availability of its next-generation Solid State Drive (SSD) Upgrade Kit, simplifying migration from a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) to SSD in just three easy steps for the road warrior, laptop aficionado or home user wanting to get the most out of their systems. Unlike other SSDs on the market, only Imation’s SSD Upgrade Kit provides a specially designed case that enables users to repurpose an existing drive and turn it into an external USB drive for additional storage, further leveraging their hardware investment. Designed based on its award-winning predecessor, Imation’s 2.5” M-Class SSD Upgrade Kit includes an all-in-one solution that offers a performance-enhancing solid state drive replacement for a traditional spinning hard disk drive.
Install in “1-2-3”
The Imation SSD Upgrade Kit enables users to easily install a new SSD drive into their current computer system in just three easy steps:
(1) Copy – transfer existing files from an HDD to the new SSD;
(2) Swap – install the new SSD into the laptop; and
(3) Convert – unique design with a SATA-USB bonus case repurposes the existing hard drive into an external, yet portable USB drive for additional backup and storage.
Improved Reliability and Endurance
Imation’s M-Class SSDs use sophisticated error detection and correction techniques. Unlike other SSDs that typically use up to 10 bits of Error Correction Code (ECC) in 512 user bytes for the detection and correction of corrupted data, Imation includes a 20 percent boost in its M-Class SSD and uses 48 bits in 2k user bytes to guarantee extreme data reliability, while still showing increases in application speed and boot times – something the user experiences every day. Boost in sequential read and write performance is to 230MB/second and 170MB/second, respectively.
In addition, Imation M-Class SSDs now utilize the most recent advances in Global Wear Leveling to uniformly distribute P/E (Program/Erase) cycles across all cells in the SSD, increasing overall endurance of the drives. Sophisticated algorithms are employed to manage any bad blocks that might develop over time and replace with spare blocks as needed. Through stringent testing, Imation confirmed the improved drives are able to withstand continuous writing to the drive with spare blocks still remaining after 10,000 P/E cycles. Each Imation M-Class SSD also now comes with an extended five-year warranty.
All-in-One Solution
The new 2.5” M-Class SSD Upgrade Kit provides an all-in-one cable-free and universal solution. No additional power brick is required, generating less waste. Underscoring the product’s intuitive design is an easy-to-use hinge case with LED-indicator for in-use identification and, unlike any other product on the market, a unique case enables the user to convert the remaining hard drive into a portable USB external drive.
“With our improved M-Class SSD Upgrade Kit, only Imation has provided users with an unique case and method to upgrade to SSD and convert the remaining HDD drive into a portable USB drive, while taking full advantage of the benefits inherent in solid state technology,” said Subodh Kulkarni, senior vice president, global commercial business, Imation. “We have simplified the migration path for all those who wish to get the most out of their systems using SSD.”
Imation also announced today its Pro WX Wireless USB hard drive, which will debut at Wine, Dine & Demo, alongside the company’s unique PowerPoint® Karaoke competition.
Pricing and Availability
The M-Class SSD Upgrade Kit is available in a 2.5-inch form factor in capacities of 64GB and 128GB. Products are available for a starting MSRP of $110.99 for the M-class drive and $194.99 for the M-Class Upgrade Kit through authorized Imation distributors, wholesalers, resellers and e-tailers in the U.S. and Europe. For additional information on Imation’s complete family of SSD storage products, visit www.imation.com/ssd.
About Imation Corp.
Imation is a leading global developer and marketer of branded products that enable people to capture, save and enjoy digital information. Our world-class portfolio of digital storage products, audio and video electronics and accessories reaches customers through a powerful global distribution network. Our goal is a company with strong commercial and consumer businesses and continued long-term growth and profitability that creates shareholder value. Imation Corp.’s global brand portfolio, in addition to the Imation brand, includes the Memorex brand, one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry, famous for the slogan, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" and the XtremeMac brand. Imation is also the exclusive licensee of the TDK Life on Record brand, one of the world’s leading recording media brands. Additional information about Imation is available at http://www.imation.com.
Imation, the Imation logo, Memorex, the Memorex logo, ‘Is it live or is it Memorex?’ and XtremeMac are trademarks of Imation Corp. and its subsidiaries. The TDK Life on Record logo is a trademark of TDK Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.