Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), today launched a new class of powerful Solid State Drive (SSD) solutions and an easy-to-install SSD upgrade kit to help users transition from hard disk to high-performance SSD technology. Imation’s new M-Class SSD drives and S-Class SSD drives will be available in 2.5-inch and 3.5- inch configurations, respectively, with capacities ranging from 32GB to 128GB. In addition, Imation provides M-Class and S-Class Upgrade Kits that make it easy to migrate the operating system, applications and data from an existing hard disk drive (HDD) system to the new Imation SSD. Imation’s next-generation SSD products will be on display in Booth 16 at the Storage Visions Conference today and tomorrow, and at the Pepcom® Digital Experience event tomorrow at The Mirage from 7-10 p.m.

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Imation’s next generation SSD products combine powerful technology with a superior design to help users change the way they look at computing. Imation’s M-Class SSD and S-Class SSD deliver lightning-fast boot times, applications that load in a fraction of the time, and the power to run graphics and design programs the way they were meant to run.

Imation M-Class Solid State Drives are ideal for progressive end users seeking to accelerate their everyday computing experience, as well as custom developers who need a fast, energy-efficient, durable drive for applications such as digital kiosks and mobile computing. IT managers can choose Imation S-Class Solid State Drives for their higher, enterprise-class performance and energy efficiency for applications such as Web servers and RAID arrays. Ideal for users with demanding applications, the S-Class delivers superior overall performance and sizeable improvements in sequential write IOPS.

Both the M-Class and S-Class SSDs feature ultra-thin profiles and rugged designs that provide improved electro-static shock resistance and enhanced drop strength.

“We designed this new class of SSD products to deliver high-performance, rugged and stylish design, and easy installation. While SSD enthusiasts expect increased speed, they also want a product that enhances how they work and use their computer,” said Subodh Kulkarni, vice president, Global Commercial Business, Imation. “With the M-Class and S-Class Solid State Drives, the computer finally works as fast its user – starting up, opening applications and finding files all happens in a fraction of the time.”

For hard disk drive users who want a simple way to add the performance edge of SSD, Imation’s M-Class and S-Class Upgrade Kits provide an all-in-one bundle that enables easy upgrade of an HDD-based notebook or desktop computer to a high-performance SSD system. The Upgrade Kit includes the following components:

  • An Imation M-Class or S-Class Solid State Drive
  • USB-to-SATA or SATA connector cable
  • Power cable
  • Acronis® True Image HD™ software for migrating operating system, applications and data from an existing hard drive to the new SSD
  • Easy-to-follow upgrade instructions

SSD is a data storage technology utilizing solid state memory. Without motors or moving parts, SSDs deliver distinct advantages over hard disk drives: they are faster, more robust and more reliable, reduce heat and noise generation, and have greater durability and shock resistance.

Pricing and Availability

The Imation M-Class SSD products will be available beginning in February through authorized Imation distributors, wholesalers, resellers and e-tailers worldwide for a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $179.99 U.S. (2.5 inch, 32 GB, SATA interface). The S-Class SSD products and the Upgrade Kit for both drives will be available in March. For additional information and configuration options on Imation’s SSD products, go to www.imation.com/ssd.