Imation launches new ultra-thin Solid State Drives and Upgrade Kits

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About SSD-technology
SSD is a data storage technology using solid state memory. Without motors or moving parts, SSD deliver distinct advantages over hard disk drives: they are faster, more robust and more reliable, reduce heat and noise generation, and have greater durability and shock resistance.

About SLC and MLC:
There are two types of cells known as single level cells (SLC) and multi-level cells (MLC). In order to reduce the cost of memory, designers developed a more complex MLC design that doubles the amount of memory on a single chip. The simpler, more expensive SLC uses one bit of data for each cell and holds that bit in one of two states: "1" for erased or "0" for programmed. The MLC design stores 2 bits in each cell in one of four possible states: "11" for erased, "10" for two thirds, "01" for one third, or "00" for programmed. MLC designs have a clear advantage in terms of density and lower cost of manufacturing, but their complexity necessitates more error checking.

The enhanced EDC (error detection and correction) eats up part of the storage capacity MLC gains, and the extra complexity slows the memory chips down considerably. Simpler SLC chips can write up to three times faster than MLC chips and read over 40% faster. Durability tests suggest that SLC chips may also be more reliable than MLC chips. One study showed SLC chips capable of 100,000 read/write cycles compared to MLC's 10,000 cycles.

Certain requirements for faster read/write ycles, such as Windows ReadyBoost, have lead to dual-channel MLC chips that are much faster than single MLC memory chips and competitive with SLC in terms of speed.

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 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.

For more information, please contact:
Bish Ray
Market Buzz Internaitonal
Tel: +971 4 3625483