We've seen some very fast SSDs over the last while, but they remain very expensive, and for most people, a hotrod SSD just isn't in the cards for a system upgrade. High prices are always a stumbling block to new tech adoption, and SSDs are no different. However, there may be relief on the horizon, as Kingston has released an SSD that hovers just above $100 SSD (after rebate) that looks to be fast, in the hope that it will finally bring solid state drives into the mainstream. So what's the catch? Well, the SSDNow V-Series drive has only a 40GB capacity, so it's targeted as a boot drive for the masses.

The other issue here is that this little drive is a bit handcuffed in terms of sequential speeds, coming in at about 170MB/s Read and only 40MB/s Write. Yes, you read that correctly, 40MB/s. Now, before you dismiss this Kingston SSD as unworthy, it must be mentioned that number is misleading for various reasons, and we've set out to find out and explain why. And after reading this review, we'll bet that you'll think very differently. An SSD that comes in just over $100 is nothing to dismiss, especially when this Kingston drive has next-gen Intel innards and is actually perfectly suited as a boot drive. Why? Read on and find out.

Thanks go to our friends at Kingston Technology for supplying the review sample.

Founded in 1987 with a single product offering, Kingston® Technology now offers more than 2,000 storage products that support nearly every device that uses storage, from computers, servers and printers to MP3 players, digital cameras and cell phones. In 2007, the company's sales exceeded $4.5 billion. With global headquarters in Fountain Valley, California, Kingston employs more than 4,500 people worldwide. Regarded as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in America” by Fortune magazine, Kingston’s tenets of respect, loyalty, flexibility and integrity create an exemplary corporate culture. Kingston believes that investing in its people is essential, and each employee is a vital part of Kingston’s success.