CDRLabs kicks off the week with a review of Plextor's latest SATA SSD, the S3C. This entry-level device is powered by SMI's SM2254 controller and is available with up to 512GB of SK Hynix's 14nm TLC NAND flash. To compensate for the slow write speeds typically associated with TLC NAND, the S3C is equipped with Plextor's PlexNitro cache acceleration technology, which optimizes performance without taking up any space on the drive. The S3C also has many of the same features found on Plextor's higher end SSDs. In addition to the company's PlexTurbo intelligent RAM caching solution, the drive offers support for its PlexCompressor and PlexVault technologies.

Western Digital Corporation, a global data storage technology and solutions leader, today announced its 400GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I card, the world’s highest-capacity microSD card for use in mobile devices. Two years after introducing its record-breaking 200GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card, Western Digital has doubled the capacity within the same tiny form factor. Keeping up with the demands of today’s mobile-centric lifestyle, the new SanDisk microSD card provides consumers with the freedom to capture, save and share photos, videos and apps, and enjoy offline content - all without worrying about storage limitations.

“Mobile devices have become the epicenter of our lives, and consumers are now accustomed to using their smartphones for anything from entertainment to business. We are collecting and sharing massive amounts of data on smartphones, drones, tablets, PCs, laptops and more. We anticipate that storage needs will only continue to grow as people continue to expect more sophisticated features on their devices and desire higher quality content,” Jeff Janukowicz, research vice president, IDC. “We estimate mobile device users worldwide will install over 150 billion applications alone this year, which require a ton of memory on all of our favorite devices.”

Western Digital Corporation, a global data storage technology and solutions leader, today launched My Cloud Home, a new personal cloud storage solution that empowers consumers to take control of their often-scattered digital content. With the My Cloud Home solution, consumers can easily aggregate all of their photos, videos and files from their smart phones, computers, USB storage, cloud and social media accounts in one central place. Using their smart phone, tablet or computer from anywhere with an internet connection, consumers then are free to experience and share that content with family and friends.

With their data spread across 14 different devices on average, consumers are faced with growing, disparate collections of data and no way to easily access it all. Those collections are expanding to an approximately 4.5TB of data per U.S. household in 2017 and are expected to grow further with increasing popularity of capacity-intensive applications such as virtual reality, 4K, 8K and 360 video.

Crucial, a leading global brand of memory and storage upgrades, today announced the availability of a new offering in its solid state drive product portfolio: BX300. It combines Micron 3D NAND with a value-conscious design to deliver the features DIY upgraders and builders are looking for. The new SSD includes 3D MLC NAND in a 2.5-inch form factor drive, is available in 120GB, 240GB, and 480GB capacities.

Upgrading from a traditional hard drive to a solid state drive has never been easier. The Crucial Advisor tool helps users determine a compatible upgrade based on their system’s manufacturer, make, and model. Supporting the BX300 is Crucial’s mobile-friendly install guide so users of all technical ability levels are armed with the straightforward, step-by-step information they need to successfully install an SSD. Data migration is also simplified with free access to Acronis True Image™ HD software.