- Biwin Mini SSD risk the darkness without standard approval SDA or PCI-SIG
- Sandisk’s early SDA presentation caused MicroSD to be a universal storage success
- Mini SSD reaches 3,700 MB/s readings, crushing the 985 mb/s microSD Express roof
The Chinese storage manufacturer Biwin has introduced the “Mini SSD”, a much smaller format than an US penny. Uu, however, it offers capacities of up to 2 TB.
By measuring only 15 mm x 17 mm and 1.4 mm thick, it is aimed at laptops, tablets, phones and cameras.
Sequential reading speeds are listed at 3,700 MB/s with 3,400 MB/SA deeds through a 4×2 PCIE connection, which places it closer to full -size SD SD performance than traditional microSD speeds.
Why universal standards are important for adoption
Despite reaching that speed, it is possible that Mini SSD never reaches its maximum potential unless Biwin follows Sandisk’s example.
When Sandisk launched MicroSD in 2005, then called T-Flash, he quickly presented the format to the Secure Digital Association (SDA), the industry agency that supervises the standards of the SD card.
This movement allowed “a ton of companies” to manufacture compatible cards, consolidating the almost universal adoption of MicroSD.
Without taking a similar step, Biwin’s format runs the risk of remaining exclusive and not obtaining generalized support.
To really replace MicroSD, Biwin must send the Mini SSD to SDA or PCI-SIG, the two leading organizations that currently establish removable storage standards.
If adopted, members of SDA and PCI-SIG could seriously consider this SSD for their devices.
Mini SSD has a strong potential; It is faster than MicroSD Express cards, which exceed approximately 985 MB/s, and can combine SD Express cards with 3,940 MB/s, which are almost double the size.
The Mini SSD slot works as a SIM tray, which allows users to expel it with a pin, make swaps or direct updates.
It has resistance to water and dust IP68 and can support three meters drops, qualities that can be adapted to mobile hardware exposed to approximate handling.
While this may not be the fastest external SSD on the market, its small form makes it relevant for devices with space and highly portable.
Currently, the M.2 units remain faster, and some reach 14,000 MB/s, and still dominate the largest SSD category, although Mini SSD is closing the gap with portability.
Two portable Chinese games, the GPD Win 5 and Onenetbook’s OnexPlayer Super X Hybrid, have already adopted dedicated mini ssd.
