New MacBook Airs to Boast High-Speed 400MBps Flash Memory

By

MacBook Airs Side-by-Side

In addition to a fancy new processor and Intel’s super speedy Thunderbolt technology, Apple’s upcoming MacBook Air may also boast the latest high-speed 400MBps flash memory.

According to a report from Japanese blog Macotokara, a person with an “Asian electronics company” has revealed Apple will adopt the latest 19-nanometer process for NAND flash offering 400MBps speed dubbed “Toggle DDR 2.0” — replacing the Blade X-gale technology found in the current MacBook Airs.

The new flash will reportedly be packaged on a smaller chip and will be soldered directly onto the new MacBook Air’s motherboard — similar to the RAM on the current model. This means storage will no longer be user upgradeable, however, it will cheaper and a lot faster.

The Open NAND Flash Interface Working Group released the ONFI 3.0 specification for 400MBps speeds in March of this year, however, most memory companies are yet to offer chips compatible with the new technology. Samsung and Toshiba, who have both provided flash memory to Apple in the past, are yet to join the ONFI initiative, but other chip makers, such as Micron, Intel, Spansion and SandForce are on board.

Apple’s next-generation of MacBook Airs are expected to launch this month alongside the OS X Lion operating system, which hit its Gold Master release last week, and is expected to go public within the coming weeks.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.