SUPER TALENT UltraDrive ME 2.5" 256GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) FTM56GX25H

Pros: - Extremely fast read and write speed. - Constant firmware update download available from Super Talent.

Cons: - Still expensive but well worth it. - Remember to backup before applying new firmware update. Your SSD will be erased during the update process.

Overall Review: I bought two UltraDrive ME 256GB last week from newegg and put them on a server using Intel DP35DP mobo in raid 0 configuration, I was totally shocked by the blazing fast read and write speed, below is the statistic: I ran tests by using ATTO Disk Benchmark v2.34: Brand new empty drive in a single drive configuration: - 200MB write / 260MB read Raid 0 config with windows server 2008 installed, 140GB out of 476GB used: - 406MB write / 508MB read This is a new generation SSD using Indilinx Barefoot controller instead of Jmicron controller. This is the same as what is inside those new OCZ Vertex series SSDs. I was able to launch multiple applications simultaneously. Coping a 5GB file within the same drive took less than 10 seconds. I haven’t seen any stalling or pausing like in pervious generation SSD. I am very happy with the performance.

Pros: Drived installed easily on a WinXP. I replaced a 4 x 10Krpm RAID0 array and still saw an improvement.

Cons: After 3 months my computer started stalling, I wasn't sure why. Eventually withing a week it started hanging completely. I was able to narrow it down to the SSD (computer would not even reboot until the SSD was power cycled - even though it was recognized by BIOS). I checked firmware, it was most recent. I called support, got an RMA number, shipped the product, called to follow up and was told that it may take them 4 weeks before they get to it! After expressing my dismay, I was told that maybe they'll get to it in a week (though it may have been the support person just telling me what I wanted to hear). I don't know about you, but when I spend $600 on a hard drive and it dies in 90 days, I expect faster turnaround on service than 4 weeks from when they receive it. No reason was given why it takes so long.

Overall Review: Waiting for the RMA to process. Based on the service I got so far I'm worried that the tech will power it up, the drive will seem ok to him and it will be shipped right back to me. Will post resolution once I get one (may be in 4 weeks). I was about to order a smaller (than 256GB) SSD for my laptop, at least now I know it won't be SuperTalent. I'll happily even pay a premium for good service.

Pros: It uses the new Indilinx controller and is more or less a cheaper version of the Vertex. I received one with the 1275 firmware and can report there is no stuttering. Works in OS X if that's a concern. This drive was purchased as a replacement for an x-25m due to size constraints and the day to day difference is barely even noticeable so good marks for that.

Cons: You're getting a fast drive make no mistake about it. But this is Supertalent not OCZ so what you're giving up with the price differential is the rate at which you receive firmware updates (if they come out) and an actual support community. At the time of writing (4/22), the Vertex is on firmware revision 1370 with TRIM support and it has been for at least 2 weeks already.

Overall Review: Supertalent, get off your butts and release firmware updates at a reasonable rate.

Pros: Speed, speed, speed. The extra capacity over previous SSD's I've used in the past is much appreciated also. Using this on 13" MacBook Pro with OS X Leopard 10.5.8. No issues with waking, sleeping, or freezing, or stuttering. Computer boots in ~16 seconds flat. Shuts down even quicker.

Cons: Price for some people. I found the speed gain to be worth the up front cost.

Pros: - lower price than other Indilinx based SSD's - fast - latest firmware (1571, with windows based wiper (trim)) - pretty good support from my experience

Cons: - not as fast as other versions of the same drive (according to my machine benchmarks compared to website reviews - I'd say within about 90% of the highest speeds I've seen). HD Tune reports a max of about 160mb/sec, while Atto reaches 260mb/sec. Crystal disk mark shows about 210mb/sec sequential, so I'm not sure why HD Tune is "so low". Also HD Tune's IOPS report lower than what I've seen reported for competitor drives around the net.

Overall Review: I bought this drive awhile back - it shipped with 1275 firmware and attempting to update to the next revision failed, causing the drive to not be recognized in the BIOS. After some communication with SuperTalent directly, I received my replacement drive back (brand new, with latest firmware). Communication with the company was quite good so I'm happy with the service I've received (it may not be quite as good as the other company, but the price is much better here!). As mentioned in the Cons, the drive doesn't seem to be quite as fast as other brands despite having the same firmware revisions and supposedly being identical pcb's etc. However, that being said this is still an extremely fast drive and I'm happy with it - the price, to me, makes up for the difference in speed. Also, the SuperTalent forums are starting to pick up.

Pros: - Noticeable Faster than my stock MacBookPro 4,1 harddrive. - Competitively priced 256GB SSD - Other than the sleep issue mentioned in Cons, I have had great stability running this drive in an older MacBookPro laptop.

Cons: - Firmware updates come in a Windows EXE file. I'm running MacOS X or Linux - Please release a firmware update in an ISO image or version for operating systems other than Microsoft Windows. - Since I installed this harddrive in my MacBookPro 4,1 laptop, I have experienced several lockups after waking it from sleep. I never had that issue before. I used super duper to clone my laptop drive to the SSD instead of doing a fresh install.

Overall Review: Overall, I am very happy with the purchase. If I didn't have the lockup on sleep issue, I'd say this drive was probably the best 256GB SSD deal available today.

Pros: When the SSD was working it was fast. Loaded Windows much faster than a HD @ 7200RPM. It slid into place and worked like a charm (at first) in my Dell M6400.

Cons: It died on me about 7 days after getting it installed. I contacted SuperTalent and they told me to contact NewEgg. Luckily it was within the 30 day return policy so I wasn't out $600+. NewEgg took the drive back and issued me a refund because they didn't have one in stock. So, I'm going back to a mechanical HD. In my experience, I've found Western Digital drives (external and internal) to be the most reliable. Frankly, $600+ is way too much money to spend on a hard drive and have it completely die several days after install.

Overall Review: If you're working with information you can't afford to lose, or don't have time to deal with having to return this product (the return process took roughly 7 days), you should seriously reconsider purchasing this item. If, on the other hand, you're looking for the latest and greatest technology, and have time to deal with malfunctions, then you'd probably be happy with the drive.