In a somewhat suprising move after the success of it's 80GB and 160GB XM-25 solid-state drives - Intel released a smaller capacity version to fill a gap at the low end. The Intel 40 GB X25V Value SATA II Solid State Drive may be a fine MacBook or Mac mini upgrade for those with modest needs. Unlike competitors with SSDs in the 30-32GB or 60-64GB range, Intel's SSD architecture started with an 80 Gigabyte drive, then 160, now down to 40 GB to shore up the low end. This is also a G2 - Second Generation drive with improved firmware - all in all an affordable choice for those who aren't data pigs with videos and tons of music clogging up thier hard drives. With it's SATA II interface, it's compatible with all Serial-ATA based Mac computers - whether with older SATA I - or more recent SATA II controller chips.

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