Among the first computers using uSSD solid state drives will be the Intel-powered classmate PC, intended for educational markets in emerging nations.

SanDisk’s uSSD 5000 is a USB module designed to be embedded directly onto the motherboard of low-cost PCs as a hard disk replacement. The uSSD 5000 solid state drive is expected to be available in capacities from 2 GB to 8 GB.

This is the first SSD product from SanDisk to be offered with SanDisk’s patented multi-level cell (MLC) technology. MLC technology doubles data- storage capacities in the same physical space as single-level cell (SLC) technology, resulting in significant cost savings.

“The low-cost educational PC category is an emerging market for flash storage where low cost, ruggedness and low power consumption will be the primary factors for broad-based adoption,” said Greg Rhine, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Products Division at SanDisk. “At 2GB, the uSSD 5000 solid state drive delivers the necessary storage capacity for low-cost PCs at significantly less cost than conventional hard drives, while meeting performance and reliability requirements for this market. We are proud to have been chosen for the Intel-powered classmate PC, a product that demonstrates how inexpensive SSDs can contribute to the worthy cause of improving education in the developing world.”

SanDisk uSSD 5000 solid state drives are expected to be available for customer sampling in 30 days, with volume availability expected in the fourth quarter, in capacities ranging from 1 to 8 gigabytes. In addition to the uSSD 5000 brand, SanDisk offers other SSD products in 4-, 8-, 16-, 32- and 64-GB capacities.