The new drive is compatible with Windows ReadyBoost, a new Windows Vista feature that uses flash memory to increase system performance. The SSD should be installed in a 2.5 inch ATA disk drive bay, but can also reside in a 3.5-inch bay with an adapter kit, according to Don Barnetson, director of flash marketing at Samsung Semiconductor Inc., the subsidiary manufacturing the new drive.

Barnetson said that by caching hard drive data with an SSD, "a typical user will see performance gains that will make working with their PC lightning fast."

Barnetson said that the SSD will ship in conjunction with the launch of Vista in November and should sell for under $100.

According to Samsung, the Windows ReadyBoost feature of the Windows Vista operating system will automatically populate the SSD with the data a user needs before they ask for it.

When combined with Windows Vista's new underlying SuperFetch memory-management technology, Microsoft's ReadyBoost delivers application performance improvements by automatically loading in flash memory the applications you use most often. SuperFetch keeps track of the apps you use most frequently, and is even date aware, recognizing the difference between business days and weekends.