We have long talked about SSDs here at BSN* and their overall improvements that they have delivered to users in the world of storage technologies. Not only have SSDs enabled users to reduce their heat creation and power consumption but simultaneously improve their boot times and load times among other things. Not only that, but SSDs have enabled users to improve the speed of which they work and improve their workflow which can be invaluable to many. As such, Intel
The only missing piece of the puzzle in Intel's plan was the lack of marketing and accessibility. Many people who read BSN* may argue that SSDs are already readily available in retail places like Fry's Electronics and Microcenter but many of those places lack the exposure to consumers that a place like Best Buy
Judging by the fact that Intel will be releasing drives ranging from $129.99 to $229.99 we'd expect to see Intel using their 80GB Mainstream SSD and their 40GB Value SSD as both of those drives usually go on sale online for around those prices. Granted, since Best Buy will be selling these SSDs they will also be likely to be servicing them as well and we hope that Best Buy modifies their manuals for Geek Squad to reflect the fact that they shouldn't recommend defragmentation on Intel SSDs or that their techs perform a defragmentation either. So, we would hope that Intel also invest heavily in training Best Buy employees in the do's and don'ts of SSDs. Knowing Intel and their constant training sessions that they hold at Best Buy locations, this should be nothing new.
"We think solid-state drives will become increasingly popular as people realize how much faster they can boot up and run their favorite software or work-intensive applications," said Jason Bonfig, vice president of Computing at Best Buy. "Our customers are looking for the latest and greatest in technology and entertainment experiences. Now they can purchase an Intel SSD and add it to a new or existing computer for a makeover that will improve their computing or gaming experience." That statement by Jason Bonfig of Best Buy confirms that Intel and Best Buy are doing everything within their power to market these SSDs and push them to all sorts of consumers. Hopefully they do not sell 40GB value SSDs as anything other than boot drives, as that could be catastrophic to the reputation of SSDs with consumers. If anything, there should be a very focused effort to pound away at the 40GB as a 2 drive solution with an HDD for storage while the 80GB mainstream being the more rounded single drive gaming and heavy workload drive. Even so, the consumers need to be educated on the benefits and pitfalls of SSDs and to understand that just because they're smaller capacity that they are not worse. Hopefully Intel and Best Buy put their best feet forward because this move could open the door for further SSD adoption and possibly other manufacturers' offerings as well.
You can read from Anshel Sag at Bright Side of News* here.
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