Other World Computing Releases Aftermarket SSD Upgrades for 2012 MacBook Air

As it has for past versions, Other World Computing has released its aftermarket SSD upgrades for the latest MacBook Air models released last month.

Along with minor upgrades to memory and processor configurations, Apple also included a new SSD connector, likely to accommodate the new 500 MBps SSDs that Apple has built in to the new machines. As a result of this new connector, it took OWC a few weeks to build compatible aftermarket drives.

Other World Computing's Mercury Pro Aura Express drives are available for the 2012 MBA in sizes starting at 120GB at $167.99, running all the way to 480GB for $644.99. These prices are bit cheaper than comparable drives for the 2011 MacBook Air models.

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strausd

93 months ago

Not OWC's fault Apple have made a simple swap so arduous. They can charge whatever the market will bear. Save your ridicule for Apple.

No, it is nobodies fault.

If you upgrade a MBA with 256GB to 512GB from Apple, you are only paying the difference between 256 and 512. If you buy from OWC, you are buying a whole new blade SSD. Thus paying for the 256 in the MBA and paying 100% for the 512 (480) from OWC.

Again, it is not Apple or OWC's fault. It is just because with Apple you are essential paying for 1 blade SSD and with OWC you are paying for the SSD that comes with the MBA and another SSD from the third party manufacturer. That is just how this works.

Rating: 12 Votes

brentsg

93 months ago

Not OWC's fault Apple have made a simple swap so arduous. They can charge whatever the market will bear. Save your ridicule for Apple.

You would prefer to double the thickness of the Air so a traditional SSD would fit? Or perhaps lower battery life to free up some space?

Rating: 7 Votes

moabal

93 months ago

I hope these SSDs are as fast as Apple's.

Rating: 5 Votes

dtremit

93 months ago

You would prefer to double the thickness of the Air so a traditional SSD would fit? Or perhaps lower battery life to free up some space?

You're thinking of desktop SSDs. mSATA SSDs are roughly the same thickness as the SSD in the Air, and actually have a smaller footprint (about 60% of the size of the Air SSD -- slightly wider and half as long).

And you can get a 256GB model for about $200, versus $320 for the custom OWC SSD.

Rating: 5 Votes

marcusj0015

93 months ago

This reminds me, anyone know if they have Retina MBP SSD upgrades, and if so how much are they?

Rating: 4 Votes

CplBadboy

93 months ago

I hope these SSDs are as fast as Apple's.

They are probably faster. Remember Apple doesn't want us to have the fastest of anything. Just look at the average GPU's they install. Nuff said. :D

Rating: 3 Votes

east85

93 months ago

It's good to see these being put on the market as an alternative to Apple's OEM parts. Now only if the MacBook Air were capable of having upgradeable RAM.

Rating: 2 Votes

magbarn

93 months ago

I applaud the ability to have an 'upgrade', but once again OWC's pricing is ridiculous. My guess is that the rMBP versions are going to be even more expensive. So if you get a 256gb rMBP this year, plan on either A. satisfied with 256gb B. Take the hit on resale and buy the next model with a bigger SSD. (this will still be cheaper than buying the OWC upgrade)

Besides, the Samsung stock Apple SSD is IMHO superior to sandforce.

Rating: 2 Votes

marcusj0015

93 months ago

Why should it be more expensive for RType MBP?! The Blade is the same type and same connector. Only the size variance/increase should cost a consumer more and thus OWC more to make.

We need just one more manufacturer to follow suit with this type of STORAGE interface and we'll all benefit.

Because the connector isn't what drives the price, $1 TOPS is the price for the connector, it's those flash chips that are the expensive part. I'm just wondering about the price difference between the Apple 512GB SSDs and the aftermarket price of comparable SSDs

Rating: 2 Votes

marcusj0015

93 months ago

So you mean like one of the lowest performing? OWC has historically had the fastest SSD's available.

No, he clearly meant as fast if not faster than Apple's.

Rating: 1 Votes

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