The ‘next big thing’ in notebook computers – and later, desktops – are solid state hard drives.

“Solid state” means no moving parts. Current hard drives have moving parts: there is one or more platters that spin, with an arm that rides above the platter(s) and reads off the drive. Because they are mechanical, they run slower and are more prone to failure.

Solid state hard drives are basically beefy flash drives – like what you may use now in a digital camera or MP3 player. Due to the lack of moving parts they are faster, quieter, lighter, and use less power. Boot times can be significantly reduced, too, which is really nice.

To be useful on computers – notebooks or desktops – they have to be a pretty good size (say, 40GB or above), and not crazy expensive.

Size is increasing and the expense is getting less crazy, so now we are starting to see these solid state drives in notebooks. MSNBC (not usually what we think of for cutting edge technology reporting) has a pretty good breakdown on the solid state drives and some of the laptops currently available that have them, including the new paper-thin MacBook Air from Apple.

See the article here.