SSD or HDD?



ORIGINAL POST
Posted by FrancisYip 17 yrs ago
Just wondering when choosing a netbook, which one is better? SSD or HDD?

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COMMENTS
axptguy38 17 yrs ago
There's no simple answer.


SSDs, at least the more modern ones, are way faster than HDDs. They also use less power, although on a notebook/netbook the hard drive is nowhere near the primary consumer of power so your battery life won't improve that much. They are also a bit cooler, meaning less power used for cooling.


On the other hand, SSDs are much more expensive per gigabyte. If storage space matters to you, buy a HDD. In a desktop, I would definitely go SSD for the OS and HDD for storage.


Most also become fragmented and lose performance rather quickly. There are exceptions but they tend to be among the most expensive variants. The problem is actually quite complex and has to do with how memory chips are accessed and used compared to HDDs. The problem is exacerbated by operating systems not being SSD aware. Windows 7 and Vista SP2 have fixed that, and those variants now access SSDs optimally, minimizing aging. This still remains another reason why HDDs are still ideal for large storage.


I would say: if you have money to burn, go for it. But don't expect a huge difference. If it were me, I would go for it, but I've always been an early adopter. If your budget is not huge, spend the money on something else, like an external hard drive for backups.

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axptguy38 17 yrs ago
A netbook HDD (whether 1.8 or 2½ inch) weighs very little as is. The difference compared to an SSD is negligible in relation to the total weight of the machine.


As for lasting longer that is by no means a given. Memory degradation is a real issue. In theory, an SSD should last longer than the expected lifetime of the machine, but then again so should a hard drive.

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WilsonWong31 17 yrs ago
For netbook, the main purpose are for daily communications and simple usage, therefore, I will choose something which is handy and mobile.

In this case, it seems SSD is better as it consumes less power and most of all, with better shock resistance.

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axptguy38 17 yrs ago
I agree with that. I just think it might not be worth the extra money.

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lngtmm84 17 yrs ago
If you consider the weight, pick the one with SSD, memory is getting cheap now, you can always use SD to store files.

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axptguy38 17 yrs ago
2½ inch solid state drives weigh only 20-25 grams less than 2½ inch hard drives. You won't be able to tell the difference.

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tpol 17 yrs ago
I am an early adoptor of the netbook.


I have whole OS on the SSD and all data and program files on a 16gb SSD. I have 2 SD slots.


I also have a 2.5 inch USB HDD for backup and for HDD Space.


I separate this for Backup purposes.


I use Acronis True Image to backup the SSD or OS.

And a File Copy Synchronization program to sync the SD card to my external HD. This is done very frequently.


I have set my swap drive on the SD card too as well as the external HDD but if the external HDD is not plugged in it doesn't cause a problem.


Now when I use heavy programs like photoshop, I plug in my external HDD for the swap drive and photoshop scratch disks.


When I want fast surfing or lightness, I just take the Net book w/o the accessories.


At home I also plug the netbook into a lcd screen to get fullscreen viewing.


My netbook is lightning fast.


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tpol 17 yrs ago
Sorry I mean 16gb SD card

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MonkLo 17 yrs ago
Just curious to know, what is the price difference between SSD and HDD? Is it great?

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axptguy38 17 yrs ago
Yes the price diff is pretty big. SSDs are MUCH more expensive per gig. On the order of 10-20 times more.


On desktops, you're looking at about $1200 for a 1 terabyte HDD, and 1600-2800 for a 120 gigabyte (0.12 terabyte) SSD. The price of the SSD varies due to different qualities.


On laptops, with 2½ inch HDDs, you would pay about $500 for a 250 gigabyte HDD. SSD same price.



Note that if you are buying the HDD/SSD included with the laptop/netbook, the price difference may be smaller. The manufacturer may be pushing SSDs or have bought many at a good price or whatever and subsidize them.

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FrancisYip 17 yrs ago
Thanks...

from reading all the advice, it seems to me that a netbook with SSD is better.

Am I correct?

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axptguy38 17 yrs ago
Better, yes. But in my opinion the amount of "better" you get is marginal considering the price. Also don't expect it to be a completely different experience.



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FrancisYip 17 yrs ago
Thanks axptguy38.

From other thread, noticed that Smartone is having a new netbook with SSD. Just waiting to see the package plan. If its attractive, maybe will go for it.

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axptguy38 17 yrs ago
I want to add that prices change pretty much weekly. Half a year ago, you could pay twice as much for the same class of SSD. SSDs are becoming more affordable all the time. It's just a matter of deciding when your budget allows you to jump on the bandwagon.

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WilsonWong31 17 yrs ago
Hi Francis, just see Smartone has launched the netbook.

Just for you info:

http://www.smartone-vodafone.com/jsp/vitesse/english/priceplan.jsp

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Marc@HK 15 yrs ago
Hi, I just recently upgraded my HP Envy with an 256GB SSD, You will see improvements on all levels. Boot time, opening applications, battery life, etc. I like it because when I am on the road, I don't have to worrie about crashing disks. I bought it here asiatechtrade.com



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tanktnt 15 yrs ago
At this rate, they're going to release biotech storage before SSDs become as cheap as HDDs...

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