Kingston Reveals SSDNow V100 for Mainstream

After the launch of its corporate-based SSDNow V+, Kingston has launched a consumer-based version.

After revealing its next generation SSDNow V+ SSDs for corporate client system use last week (PR), Kingston Digital followed up with an announcement on Monday that it shipped the 2.5-inch SSDNow V100 SSDs designed for mainstream consumers. Kingston said that the new SSDs offer the best performance enhancer and most cost-effective upgrade path for desktops and notebooks without having to replace the entire rig.

"We are determined to stimulate the consumer upgrade market through Kingston's various upgrade bundle kits that provide cloning software and all of the accessories needed to advance one's desktop or notebook PC from a hard-disk drive to an SSD," said Ariel Perez, SSD business manager, Kingston. "Our new SSDNow V100 drives do just that as they represent the best value for an affordable upgrade solution with a low price vs. performance ratio."

The V100 will arrive in three capacities--64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB. They'll also arrive as a stand-alone unit and as an upgrade bundle kit for desktops and laptops. The desktop version contains the SSD, cloning software, cables (SATA data and power), and 3.5-inch hard-drive mounting brackets and hardware. The notebook bundle includes the SSD, cloning software and a 2.5-inch external enclosure allowing the replaced hard drive to be used as extra storage.

As for hardware specs, the new SSDs feature Windows 7 TRIM and S.M.A.R.T. support and provides read speeds up to 250 MB/s, write speeds up to 230 MB/s for the 128 GB and 256 GB models, and up to 145 MB/s write speeds for the 64 GB model.

Prices for the stand-alone drives range from $119.99 to $489.99 whereas the prices for the bundled drives for desktops and laptops range from $129.99 to $499.99.