Samsung today announced that it has started mass production of its 1.8- and 2.5-inch multi-level cell (MLC)-based solid state drives with a 128GB and 64GB storage capacities. The multi-level cell (MLC) based SSDs has a write speed of 70MB/s and a read speed of 90MB/s. The main reason for choosing MLC instead of traditional SLC (single-level cell) technology is reduced production cost, meaning the new Samsung SSDs based on MLC technology will be much more cheaper than standard solid state disk.

Additionally, the new SSDs will last approximately 20 times longer than the generally accepted 4-5 year life span of a notebook PC hard drive, while consuming only 0.2W in stand by mode, and 0.5W in active mode.

Featuring a 3.0 gigabit-per-second interface, the 128GB MLC-based SSD consists of 64 MLC NAND flash memory chips of 16 gigabits each, optimized single-chip controller technology and advanced flash-management firmware technology. Enclosed in a brushed metallic casing, it measures 100mm x 69.8mm and is only 9.5mm thick.

No word on pricing and shipping date.