At CES 2012, Sony unveiled its enhanced USB memory MicroVault line. The new models (USM-Q, USM-P and USM-M) range from ultra-fast, high performance devices to stylish, easy-to-use models -- all designed to meet consumers' various needs.

"Everyone has different requirements for what they want to do with their photos or videos, so why should all storage devices be the same?" said Viviano Cantu, Director of Consumer Media for Sony Electronics. "We're offering something for everyone with this enhanced line of USB memory devices."

Sony is adding ultra-fast USB 3.0 compatibility to its flagship USM-Q series. With transfer speeds of up to 120MB/s (read speed, based on Sony tests and dependent on host hardware), this product is ideal for quick back-up of large sized data like high-definition movies or photos.  With a sleek hairline metal body finish design that's resistant to scratches, the new models are also durable. The device's "click" mechanism allows simple connection to USB ports with just a single push, and an easy-to-read LED indicator alerts users that the device is active.

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CDRLabs finishes up the week with a review of Plextor's new 256GB M3S series SSD, the PX-256M3S. Powered by Plextor's True Speed technology, the M3S series uses high quality components like Marvell's server-grade 88SS9174 controller chip and Toshiba's 24nm Toggle NAND flash to deliver up to 525MB/s read and 445MB/s write speeds. The M3S also features exclusive firmware with Instant Restore, Global Wear Leveling, and Bad Block Management to maintain original performance levels, even after intensive use and long periods of operation.

Everyone knows the N4200PRO, one of the first Atom™ D525 based NAS. Thecus is now announcing its proud successor, the N4800. This time, the N4800 will be one of the first Intel® Atom™ N2700 based NAS! Gathering what’s been best for the N4200 series, the N4800 also has its own fair share of new technologies with no less than 2GB of DDR3 RAM. This very powerful NAS will become a must-have for all small and medium businesses in need of centralized storage, application serving, and top-notch response time within multi-user environments. For the more demanding users, the N4800 will also have its use at home.

Thecus was the first to launch a NAS compatible with USB 3.0 for early adopters. Now that the technology has matured and more USB 3.0 devices exist on the market, it is time to embed it by default! The N4800 has two USB 3.0 ports, which are up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.

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It has been half a year since that the concept of “Ultrabook” was proposed by Intel at Computex 2011. The concept was well-received by major brand vendors in hopes that Ultrabook can revive Notebook market demand, many of whom such as Lenovo, Samsung, Toshiba, Acer, Fujitsu, Asus, have launched Ultrabooks, or announced they are to launch one. With the expected major growth in Ultrabooks in the next few years, SSD indeed is given a great opportunity as it is one of the key components of Ultrabooks.

To seize the opportunity, RunCore, a leading supplier of high-performance solid-state drives has made its move and announced its Ultrabooks solution – 7mm Pro V Ultra SSD. The product is a Sandforce-based SSD, and it adopts stainless steel enclosure. With SATA 6Gbps interface it offers up to 525MB/s read and 525MB/s write, featuring an extreme write IOPS up to 75000.

One other selling point of RunCore Ultra SSD is the height of drive, 7mm is particularly noteworthy as most standard 2.5" drives are around 9mm of height. This means that the product can easily fit in ultrabooks, and with the super-performance, not to mention that RunCore SSD’s other features such as super-low power consumption, it is an ideal product for ultrabook users who seeks high-end performances.