Machines Like Us – Science News

Flash memory is moving from iPods to desktops and laptops, providing a performance boost and the potential for instant boot-ups.

For the most part, flash memory has been used in small audio gadgets such as iPods and in portable USB drives. But a recent flurry of announcements from flash chip makers Intel and Samsung, among others, show that the technology has reached a point at which it is finally economical to integrate a small amount of flash memory—from 128 megabytes to 8 gigabtyes—into laptops and desktops as a supplement to the magnetic hard drive. The benefit, say chip makers, is faster boot times, faster application start-ups, and impressive power savings.

Read full story in Technology Review.