Intel introduces a new solid state storage drive based on high-performance NAND storage, which it claims represents the pinnacle of this technology. Called the Z-P140, it delivers a blistering 40 MB per second read and 30 MB per second of write throughput. Intel says this is 30 percent faster than comparable hard drives in testing and uses 75 percent less power.

Excerpt from eWeek:

“It used to be that NAND flash memory was just used to run the BIOS in computers and to store data in thumb drives,” said Intel NAND Products Group Product Line Manager Don Larson. “It’s come a long way, and we expect to do even more with it in the future. The Z-P140 is a great example of that.”

The Z-P140 sports a standard PATA interface and is lighter than a paper clip. Internally, it uses wear-leveling to prevent the drive from wearing out prematurely.

The 2 GB and 4 GB versions will be available early in 2008; 8 GB and 16 GB versions are expected out later in 2008 or in 2009.