Re: Why do computers still have disk drives?

[Nathan Andelin <nandelin@xxxxxxxxx>]

MIT has developed a prototype for a low-cost laptop that uses solid state 
memory.

http://laptop.org/

The idea is to build a computer that's rugged enough to be totted around in a 
kid's backpack at school.

Actually this program has captured my attention.  It could lead to the 
deployment of millions of laptops to students around the world, where the 
majority of content, applications, and data would reside on servers as opposed 
to hosting it on HEAVY desktop and laptop systems common in today's world.

Nathan.


----- Original Message ----
From: Greg Wenzloff <GWenzloff@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, October 6, 2006 7:19:18 AM
Subject: Why do computers still have disk drives?

It's Friday -- often a quieter day in the office.

I was wondering why don't new computers like the i5 just have solid
state memory and forget about disk drives.   Think about it.   You can
get a 2GB thumb drive for $75 or less.    Why can't the manufacturers
just load about 200 GB of this solid state memory into the machine?
Think of the speed improvement.

Or am I missing something?
Maybe need more coffee.

Just my thoughts,
Greg