China is about to reshape the world of digital storage with an ultra-compact SSD innovation. Leading the charge is Biwin, a mainland manufacturer, whose new “Mini SSD” measures only 15mm x 17mm x 1.4mm smaller than a US penny and barely larger than a microSD card.
Despite the tiny size, these SSDs promise maximum sequential read speeds of up to 3,700MB/s and write speeds reaching 3,400MB/s, outpacing even the fastest microSD Express cards currently available. The Mini SSD comes in capacities of 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, delivering large-scale storage in a space so compact you can insert it into devices just like a SIM card.
Unlike traditional M.2 SSDs and other internal storage solutions, Biwin’s Mini SSD uses a SIM tray-style slot. This means expanding or upgrading storage in compatible laptops, gaming handhelds, tablets, or cameras could be as simple as popping out and swapping cards with a pin a process as familiar as replacing a smartphone SIM. The Mini SSD claims an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, plus three-meter drop protection, making it ideal for mobile and rugged device use.
Industry watchers are already noting that this storage format is set to appear in upcoming Chinese gaming handhelds like the GPD Win 5 and OneNetbook XPlayer X, both of which showcased dedicated card slots for the Mini SSD at ChinaJoy China’s largest gaming convention. The modular design hints at broader future adoption across mobile, gaming, and IoT segments.
While Biwin’s pricing and potential as a standardized format remain unclear, the speed, durability, and convenience signal a game-changing direction for storage technology. If widely adopted, users could benefit from plug-and-play upgrades and repairs, transforming how next-gen devices are designed and serviced.
Source: The Verge. China is about to launch SSDs so small you insert them like a SIM card.
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