Macbook Aluminium ssd

Are there any reviews out there of the Macbook Aluminium with the 128GB SSD drive? I did a cursory search, both on Google and Notebookreview, and didn't find anything. Does anyone know which SSD Apple is using? Someone mentioned Samsung ... which I think would be surprising since the Intel-X25m is suppose to be a much better performer ... right?

Apologies if my Googling skills have failed me.

 

Why do you think it would be surprising? I mean, why would apple want to use the most expensive SSD out there? As the notebook would cost plenty of $$$ then just becasuse of that

 

It's the most expensive MLC SSD, but given that other MLCs offer really poor value as they don't really boost performance (according to Anandtech), one would assume that they would have done their due diligence, and used a component that makes a difference. Given their partnership with intel, they can probably get a good price anyway ...

 

It is the Samsung MLC 128GB, and from what I heard it performs well. But not as good as Intel.

 

So it doesn't have the problems associated with most MLC SSDs mentioned here? ( http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/intel/showdoc.aspx?i=3403&p=17) Something to do with the JMicron JMF602 controller.

 

No the Samsung MLC uses a Samsung controller as far as I know.

 

Also there is no Intel 128GB SSD.
Samsung's SSD works great, maybe even better than intel's in regarding "stuttering"

 

Is the Samsung ssd available at retail? I haven't seen it on Newegg. I'm looking to get the Macbook, but don't have the $600 extra that Apple is asking for. I saw the Mtron Mobi 3500 64GB, but I think i need about 100-120GB.

 

DVNation sells them at $799 each. Problem is that's too expensive because there are no other competitors or even competing resellers.
http://www.dvnation.com

 

Haha that almost makes the Apple SSD upgrade look cheap! So if I want a macbook with a cheaper ssd what's the best option? Wait till Jan and hope the Intel or Samsung prices come down then?

 

Even the worst MLC SSD can beat magnetic HDD in term of general use, IMHO.
We always say that MLC SSD has somethings bad, somethings worse compared to traditional HDD but let's think vice versa.

 

That may be true, but when I'm paying $200-$400 to replace an already new and working hard drive, the last thing i want is ANY SORT of stuttering.

I wish Mtron had a 128GB Mobi 3500 ... alas

 

About stuttering, it's becoming a thing of the past. I have just buy an infamous OCZ Core 64GB V1 for my Macbook Pro and encountered no stuttering at all (even with Windows XP/Vista on it). Also the same with my ASUS (which based on 965PM chipset). So i guess the key is that you gotta find one that has suitable controller for you notebook.

 

I thought the key is to buy something that does NOt have a Jmicron controller in it? And apparently all MCLs except Intel and Samsung do?

 

Jmicron only seems to cause problems with Windows. Not with OS X.

 

Not really Windows, because i think my SSD has Jmicron controller and with Windows XP (both SP2 and SP3), there is no problem at all. Everything is smooth. So, may be the problem is in the SATA Controller on the notebook.

 

Yeah I meant to say Windows/PC laptops vs. Apple laptops.

I agree it's probably related to the controller.

 

Actually you have it the wrong way; only Samsung MLCs have jmicron controllers. OCZ, GSKILL, and many other MLC SSDs are actually re-branded Samsung MLC SSDs.

 

I think trumo1 had it right and you have it the other way around

OCZ, Partiot, Supertalent all have Jmicrons controllers. The Samsung MLC in the macbook does not.

 

I think he was referring to the SLC drives - OCZ/Samsung/G.Skill all have identical hardware. SLC is win except in price.

 

Here are some benchmarks comparing the two:

http://www.hardmac.com/news/2008-12-19/#9323

 

Here is my intel x25-m (80gb) on my 2.53ghz unibody mbp... its freakin insanely too fast!!



This is just the disk test. 228.91, just simply amazing!

As for the longevity of this drive, intel states that it can write more than 100gb per day for 5 years. I probably write 30gb at most some days so if you equate that it will easily last 15+ years! Extracting 9-12gb files is insanely fast!!

Its THE best upgrade I've ever made in my entire life! Worth every penny! I feel like I have my Mac pro thats on my sig that I sold back, and even faster than I can remember!