More SSD and HDD Comparisons and Testing Methodology [Update]
An earlier comparison from Arstechnica was difficult to interpret due to differences in machines (1.6GHz vs 1.8GHz) and non-standardized testing.
Mossberg offers at least one piece of standardized data on the SSD vs HDD comparison in the MacBook Air. He compared two 1.6GHz processor MacBook Airs which only differed in the type of hard drive (SSD vs HDD) and ran a standardized test case: "turn off all power-saving software, set screen brightness to maximum, turn on the Wi-Fi and play an endless loop of music."
As always these tests come with some considerations. After some investigation, it appears that iTunes explicitly turns off Mac OS X's file caching, so the drives are being accessed with regularity in this test. This drive access, however, is small and sequential which does not take advantage of SSD's strengths (random non-sequential). With these notes in mind, the results of the test revealed almost no difference (5 minutes in favor of SSD).
Not all SSDs, HDDs and laptops are made equally, however. Mossberg also compared a Toshiba Portege R500 with a 1.8" HDD and a 1.8" SSD drive. In the same test, Mossberg found the Portege R500 ran 1 hour and 21 minutes (36%) longer with the SSD. Now, the reason for this large difference is unclear. Update/Correction: the Toshiba also uses the 1.8" drive, not the 2.5" drive previously reported here.
Similarly, MacLife found that the 32GB DVNation SSD drive installed in a MacBook Pro saw 55% increased write speeds and 88% increased read speeds compared to the stock HDD. They also saw similarly dramatic speed increases in "real world" tasks as well as a 14% battery life gain with the SSD drive.
As a result of these discrepant findings, the SSD vs HDD debate will likely be reintroduced with every new laptop introduced, as findings seem to vary by individual model and task. At this point, however, it seems the accepted advantages for the SSD drive in the MacBook Air is a more responsive user experience, and less vulnerability to data loss.
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As a result of these discrepant findings, the SSD vs HDD debate will likely be reintroduced with every new laptop introduced
Gee, that sounds like it will be fun.
Edit: @Shingo: Massive fail.
Woo Hoo!
If people have to go to this much trouble to decide which drive is better, than obviously SSD is not worth it. Its gotta be clear cut or to me SSD is a scam at this point to get more money out of our pockets. Now don't get me wrong, one day i'm sure it will SSD FTW but not right now.
I mean, how can there be a debate about a $1000 f ing upgrade?
An SSD has no moving parts. That's VERY clear cut. Reliability is the biggest reason I would want SSD.
Speed and battery life have not YET been measured adequately, but that will come. Meanwhile I don't think "scam" is justified.
And yes it's expensive--it's new technology, worth it to only a few. As prices drop it will be worth it to more. Nothing unusual about that pattern.
If people have to go to this much trouble to decide which drive is better, than obviously SSD is not worth it. Its gotta be clear cut or to me SSD is a scam at this point to get more money out of our pockets. Now don't get me wrong, one day i'm sure it will SSD FTW but not right now.
I mean, how can there be a debate about a $1000 f ing upgrade?
Your last statement is accurate. It's obvious that SSD is a better all around and future technology. The benefits out weigh current storage mechanisms in nearly every aspect.
Why these comparisons pop-up, is simply because of the $ issue. Many folk are trying to find out if the $1000.00 is justified in general purpose use of the notebook.
In all actuality, at this price point SSD is just a novelty item and not really a luxury, as it isn't proven to be a serious performance contender.
When SSD capacities increase and cost reflects it appropriately, the benefits are then more obvious.
If people have to go to this much trouble to decide which drive is better, than obviously SSD is not worth it. Its gotta be clear cut or to me SSD is a scam at this point to get more money out of our pockets. Now don't get me wrong, one day i'm sure it will SSD FTW but not right now.
I mean, how can there be a debate about a $1000 f ing upgrade?
i feel like there's more hype about SSD than there is demand.
Clear cut?
An SSD has no moving parts. That's VERY clear cut. Reliability is the biggest reason I would want SSD.
Speed and battery life have not YET been measured adequately, but that will come. Meanwhile I don't think "scam" is justified.
And yes it's expensive--it's new technology, worth it to only a few. As prices drop it will be worth it to more. Nothing unusual about that pattern.
Tech and business are a scam. Releasing things before they are ready for mainstream and charging outrageous prices. I agree with you, wait and it will be worth it. I've just never like this pattern. Same thing with HD tv's when they were going for 7k and had zero content for yrs. Just think about 1080P HD, to get that via cable , satellite or over the air , you will have to wait at least 3-4 yrs for them to change everything. The only way to get 1080P content is to purchase a HD player that can display at that format.
So, you would want to buy a 1080P set in 3-4 yrs not pay extra for tech you don't need. Samething with the SSD. Waiting a yr or 2 and boom, your gonna be set. Guess I just don't need the latest and greatest or don't have as much $$ as some. So, I have to target my purchases at the right time.
I understand that for people who can't afford the extra $999, the HDD option is the only choice. But if you can afford it, why would you want your data being stored on a 1.8" iPod drive. Those drives crash all the time. If you own an iPhone or iPod Touch you can understand the reliability you get with flash based storage. Battery life and benchmarks are irrelevant with the Air. The differences between HDD and SSD models is measured in seconds. The main difference is the reliability of your data. Bottom line.
As far as i'm concerned , for $1800 you should have the SSD. and say a 128 version for 3k. Something like that. That ipod drive is an insult to people paying $1800.
Dell has a nice 13" for comparison if anyone cares.
Tuxedo Black
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
Standard Display with 2.0 Megapixel Webcam
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
High Reliability: 64GB Solid State Drive
CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW Drive)
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
Dell Bluetooth Travel mouse
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
Biometric Fingerprint Reader
$2500
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