HDD vs. SDD

One notable feature of Apple’s recently launched ultra-thin MacBook Air laptop is the optional SSD (solid-sate drive). Long heralded as the slayer of traditional magnetic platter hard-disk drives (HDDs), SSDs are starting to show up in a number of high-end laptops, albeit at smaller capacities and a hefty price premium to HDDs.SSDs do bring a number of advantages to the table – most notably a lack of moving parts, lower power consumption, greater reliability and quieter operation. These advantages are particularly useful for smaller mobile devices.The WSJ’s Walt Mossberg recently reviewed the performance of SSD equipped laptops – his conclusion: despite the obvious benefits, it is probably too early for mainstream users to plumb the extra cash for SSDs.