Last month, we reviewed MacBook Air – October 2010 model but didn’t get the chance to open it. However, there was buzz going around about the MacBook Air models having SSDs from different makers. The new Late 2010 MacBook Air has custom-built Mini PCI Express form factor based SSD drive that is looked upon to give blazing fast performance. Initially, the MacBook Air Late 2010 models came out with SSDs manufactured by Toshiba that offered 210 MBps read and 185MBps write speeds. The iFixit teardown confirmed the existence of these Toshiba Blade X-gale SSD (TS128C) modules being used in the MacBook Air. However, now we’re hearing several recently purchased MacBook Air models are giving faster data throughput performance. Not with a help of any drivers but its due to different hardware altogether.
Now fresh reports spotted in MacRumors forum state that recent models of Late 2010 MacBook Air offered up to 260MBps read and 210 MBps write speeds. This was achieved due to the SM128C SSD modules which were manufactured by Samsung. So basically, those early adopters of MacBook Air have been offered a different SSD module giving comparatively less data throughput speeds. Samsung SM128C SSD module based MacBook Airs were being sold since November-December 2010.
This change in hardware might put off the early adopters. Only if Apple would’ve announced the two different SSD modules options, then may be users would’ve heartily going for respective options. Those who were still thinking on whether to buy the new MacBook Air or not should certainly pick it up now. However, there’s no guarantee on whether you’ll get fast Samsung SSD based MacBook Air. For India, the new Late 2010 MacBook Air is available at a price starting Rs. 60,900.
Source: AnandTech