Kingston intros mainstream TRIM-equipped SSDNow V

Hot on the heels of the recently launched enthusiast-minded SSDNow V+ SSDs, Kingston has introduced a more wallet-friendly series. Like the pricier drives released two weeks back, the second-generation SSDNow V also ships with TRIM support.

The SSDNow V is available in 30GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities, and there are three packages: one for notebooks, one for desktops, and just the standalone drive. Both bundles receive Acronis cloning software and the desktop kit gets 3.5-inch mounting brackets as well as SATA and power extension cables, while the notebook pack has an external 2.5-inch USB SATA enclosure.


All of the drives conform to 2.5-inch form factor standards, use 300MB/s SATA, and come with a three-year warranty. The 30GB drive kicks off with a price of $109.99 (standalone) or $124.99 for a bundle with speeds of 180MB/s and 50MB/s read/write. The 64GB jumps to $208 or $216 with read/write rates of 200MB/s and 110MB/s, and the 128GB is $362 or $377 with a 200MB/s and 160MB/s read/write.

Apple iPad pre-orders overwhelm Norwegian resellers

Apple's iPad may have disappointed gadget fiends around the Web, but it seems to be a hit in Norway, where local stores have been overwhelmed with pre-orders. Norwegian retailer Eplehuset (Apple House) has reportedly suspended pre-orders after selling out of the oversized iPod Touch. Those who have successfully placed an order will have a device reserved, but others will have to find another outlet or simply wait for fresh stock.

Humac, another Apple reseller, has also quietly yanked the iPad from its online store. It's speculated that the sites have already sold thousands of units, most of which have been the more expensive 64GB iPad with 3G. Naturally, since most countries aren't offering pre-orders yet (including the US), there's no way to determine if other regions will share Norway's enthusiasm.

The interest comes despite a disproportionally higher price. It's believed that the 16GB Wi-Fi-only iPad is selling for around 3790 kroner, or about $640.

Google to offer ultra-fast broadband in select markets

For some time now Google has been flirting with the idea of providing internet access to consumers. It played an important role in the 700MHz wireless spectrum bid back in 2008, was part of the aborted municipal Wi-Fi bid for San Francisco with Earthlink, and operates a free Wi-Fi network near its campus in Mountain View. It was also a major investor in WiMAX provider Clearwire.

Now they seem to be getting a little more serious. The company announced that it's going to offer ultra-fast fiber broadband service on a trial basis "in a small number of trial locations across the United States." They are aiming to offer 1Gbps speeds at competitive prices to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people and basically see what happens when more developers get access to such speeds.

Google did not disclose locations, actual pricing or the time frame of when the high-speed broadband network is expected. However, keeping in line with its views on open access and net-neutrality, the company did say they will be opening the network up to other service providers and would not discriminate between different sorts of traffic carried by it.

This latest part might also serve as its strategy against any potential anti-trust concerns that may arise, you know, after Google "owns the pipes" through which you search the web, watch videos, make voice calls and access a ton other Google-owned products and services on a regular basis.