Archive for May 15th, 2007

SanDisk announced that the Microsoft Windows Hardware Qualification Lab (WHQL) has certified the new SanDisk 1.8-inch UATA solid state drive (SSD), which is being used as a substitute for hard drives in selected laptop computers. The product also earned a high score on the Windows Experience Index, indicating that it is suited to a variety of Microsoft Windows Vista™ applications.

The announcement was made at the 2007 Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC 2007) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where SanDisk is showcasing its comprehensive line of storage products for use in computing systems. On display at the exhibition are the SanDisk SSD products – which also include the 2.5-inch SATA SSD — as well as USB flash drives, the SD card family, uDOC memory modules and other flash-based storage products.

With WHQL certification, the SanDisk UATA SSD is now compatible with Windows Vista and Windows XP and identified as a product that delivers a high-quality computing experience with Windows operating systems. SanDisk now can use the Works with Windows Vista and Designed for Windows XP logos on its SSD product.

Additionally, the SanDisk UATA SSD scored 5.4 out of 5.9 when tested with the Windows Experience Index utility1, a new feature in Windows Vista. The results indicate that the new Windows Vista operating system will run optimally when installed on the SanDisk SSD.

Using a scale ranging from 1 to 5.9, the Windows Experience Index measures performance capabilities of PCs and their components and calculates a score telling users how well the operating system will run using those components. Products receiving a score of 5.0 or higher are defined by Microsoft as the highest performers in their respective categories.

“Compared to a score of between 3 and 4 for a typical rotating hard disk in the same environment, we scored quite well,” said Iri Trashanski, director of business development for the SanDisk Computer Solutions Division. “With results like these and certification from Microsoft, PC manufacturers and consumers will find it even more worthwhile to move away from conventional HDDs in order to enjoy the improved performance, durability and reliability delivered by our SSD product line.”

During WinHEC 2007, Trashanski will be leading a session entitled “SSD to Solve the IOPS Bottleneck” in the convention center theater at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 17. He will also participate in an SSD panel discussion at 1:15 p.m.

SanDisk SSD products are available now to computer manufacturers.

Posted by: Matt

[Technorati tag(s): Tracy & Matt, SanDisk, SSD, Vista, Microsoft]

Orange today announces the launch of the Orange Digital Media Index, a detailed report examining trends in Orange customers’ consumption of digital media. The Index looks at usage patterns across the full range of Orange’s entertainment and communications services, including home broadband, text and picture messaging, and mobile internet.

The first Digital Media Index reveals that mobile internet services are playing an increasingly important role in customers’ lives – mobile gaming, the Live World Cup Cricket channel and movie trailers for the year’s blockbusters have all proved extremely popular.

Key findings from the Digital Media Index include:

Matthew Kirk, Director of Portals for Orange, said: “The Orange Digital Media Index provides a fascinating insight into the role of technology in twenty-first century life. We now use technology and multimedia services to consume, buy, gain knowledge, stay in touch and generally make our lives richer and easier. We believe this is the just beginning and as we deliver smarter pricing and even better services, we expect to see growing numbers of people using the mobile and internet to do more things in more places than ever before.”

Posted By: Matt

[Technorati tag(s): GPRS, 3G, Orange Digital Media Index, Mobile Data, Orange, Tracy & Matt]