Solid-state drives (SSD's) have been around for a while, but they have never been a mainstream alternative for enterprise server booting and applications. SSD's were positioned as high-performance storage for special use cases and were too expensive for mainstream adoption. But that might change with the latest generation of SSD's, as exemplified by the new Micron P400e that … [Read more...] about Micron Builds a Ford Taurus: The P400e SSD Hands-On Review
Sandy Bridge
Iomega Introduces the StorCenter px12-350r
Iomega surprised exactly no one by announcing an updated 12-drive rack mount storage array today. Featuring "Cloud Edition" software introduced earlier this year, the px12-350r also sports mildly updated hardware specs, though still relies on Intel's "Core2 Duo" CPUs and Gigabit Ethernet. The new device slots in between the desktop px4/px6 line and parent EMC's new VNXe storage … [Read more...] about Iomega Introduces the StorCenter px12-350r
Benchmarking the 2011 13″ Core i5 MacBook Pro
As I mentioned in my previous article, I decided to buy the 13" Core i5 (base model) MacBook Pro. It meets my needs as a travel workstation, but how does it perform? I decided to benchmark it against my other Macs to see how it stands up. Benchmark Details The following benchmarks were performed using Xbench and Geekbench, running on a freshly-booted machine. Xbench is … [Read more...] about Benchmarking the 2011 13″ Core i5 MacBook Pro
Decision Point: Comparing the 2011 MacBook Pro Models
As I discussed in my 2011 MacBook Pro introduction, all three models of Apple's Pro lineup include key inside upgrades: Speedy "Sandy Bridge" CPUs and Intel's new Thunderbolt port. Although the aluminum case is unchanged, it was these features I was waiting for. But which model to buy? Once I decided to upgrade from my 3-year-old "Santa Rosa" MacBook Pro to one of these new … [Read more...] about Decision Point: Comparing the 2011 MacBook Pro Models
2011 MacBook Pro Review: Introduction
Yesterday, Apple refreshed the entire MacBook Pro line. Although the new machines look identical to the old ones, massive changes were made below surface. I have been waiting to upgrade my now three-year-old Santa Rosa-based MacBook Pro, and seize the opportunity yesterday to pick up a brand-new 13 inch model. What made me pull the trigger? Read on! New Guts, Old Glory There … [Read more...] about 2011 MacBook Pro Review: Introduction