Thoughts
General (subjective) usageThe numbers show the Crucial 64GB SSD to be a decent performer when reading files and not quite so hot when writing. Real-world performance is well below the 150MB/s quoted by the company.
However, we can see the drive being used in mid-range laptops. To this end, it was installed in a Dell XPS M1330 laptop and configured with Windows 7 RC. The real difference, when compared to the shipping 160GB mechanical drive, lay with the speed at which large programs - Photoshop, for example - installed and loaded. An SSD irons out many of the 'this-is-slow-as-hell' feelings that surround heavy-duty laptop usage, and we're currently developing a bunch of laptop-related SSD tests.
Basic summary
Crucial's aggressive pricing on its 64GB SSD, currently at £115, will push other manufactures to re-evaluate the cost of their drives. We fully expect to see almost all high-performance 64GB SSDs costing <£100 within a month or two.
The drive is available for £114.99, including delivery.
