Intel X25-M G2 (Un)Availability

[desenso]

Background: There are a number of threads that discuss the performance, quality, (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=748210) and compatibility (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=770816) of the Intel X25-M with the Mac Pro. However, in early August, Intel stopped shipping its newest second generation drives because of a firmware bug involving BIOS passwords (http://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2009/08/locked-out-with-your-ssd-out-intel-x25-m-g2-firmware-bug.ars). Although it apparently fixed the bug and resumed shipments around August 12 (http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1529057/intel-starts-shipping-ssds), the drives currently remain out of stock at major electronics websites (Newegg, (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167016&Tpk=SSDSA2MH080G2) ZipZoomFly, (http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10010790&prodlist=froogle) Amazon, (http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Mainstream-Solid-Retail-SSDSA2MH080G2R5/dp/B002IJA1EG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1250158708&sr=8-2) Buy.com (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=211487190)). In my search, only CostCentral has intermittently stocked the 160GB version (http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/Intel_X25_M_Mainstream_Solid_State_Drive/SSDSA2MH160G2C1/10898199/) in recent days.

As I'm sure there are several users on these forums waiting to purchase the drive, perhaps we could use this thread to track the availability of the drives. Accordingly, let's try to keep debates about the value or desirability of the drive out of this thread.

Manufacturer Part Numbers:
80GB drive: SSDSA2MH080G2C1
160GB drive: SSDSA2MH160G2C1

[gugucom]

in Germany most online order suppliers show stock of both types 80 and 160 GB but they seem to have only single digit numbers on stock. Big online retailers like Alternate show them ready for shipment in 48 hours.

[jessica.]

OP On August 21st Newegg.com (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=770038) was selling the G2 160 GB. I checked Newegg.com at 9 PM EST. By 2 AM EST they were sold out. Before that at 3 PM EST newegg.com had not been selling them so it is safe to say between 3 and 9 pm EST the drives went on sale and lasted 6 hours.

[GroundLoop]

OP On August 21st Newegg.com (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=770038) was selling the G2 160 GB. I checked Newegg.com at 9 PM EST. By 2 AM EST they were sold out. Before that at 3 PM EST newegg.com had not been selling them so it is safe to say between 3 and 9 pm EST the drives went on sale and lasted 6 hours.

And, thanks to you jessica., my 160GB X25-M G2 from Newegg was delivered today. Now I am just waiting for Snow Leopard.

Hickman

[VirtualRain]

I think Intel has taken advantage of this opportunity to fully deplete stocks of the G1 drives. It seems the G2 is starting to pop up in some channels but never for long. Perhaps next week?

[jav6454]

OP On August 21st Newegg.com (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=770038) was selling the G2 160 GB. I checked Newegg.com at 9 PM EST. By 2 AM EST they were sold out. Before that at 3 PM EST newegg.com had not been selling them so it is safe to say between 3 and 9 pm EST the drives went on sale and lasted 6 hours.

Super Teh jessica. to the rescue *woooooosh*

[jedijoe]

wow. this drive is selling like mad or stock is ultra low (or both)...

i got notified this afternoon of the 160GB gen 2 drive from newegg. I immediately purchased it. That was at 2:05 PM PST. Now at 3:33 PM PST is already out of stock.. geez I am happy on jumped on it when I did :P

[desenso]

I think Intel has taken advantage of this opportunity to fully deplete stocks of the G1 drives. It seems the G2 is starting to pop up in some channels but never for long. Perhaps next week?

Could be. Whatever the reason, Intel's speed on this one is frustrating, given that they apparently fixed the issue over two weeks ago.

[Dreamail]

Maybe the yields of the new fabrication process aren't as good as Intel had hoped?

Or perhaps most drives produced currently go to OEMs.
I can see Intel having contract obligations to deliver certain numbers to OEMs. With the driver disaster Intel amassed delivery backlocks to these OEMs - now catching up faster by diverting stock.

[desenso]

Maybe the yields of the new fabrication process aren't as good as Intel had hoped?

Or perhaps most drives produced currently go to OEMs.
I can see Intel having contract obligations to deliver certain numbers to OEMs. With the driver disaster Intel amassed delivery backlocks to these OEMs - now catching up faster by diverting stock.

Could well be. I wonder which laptops are currently offered with the G2.

[desenso]

Update:

Received an email from Newegg at 5:37pm EST today stating that the 80GB was in stock. Immediately went to the website but the item was either never in stock, or it was already sold out.

[spike8585]

I found a website based out of Alberta, and I e-mailed them to see when they would get them in. He told me that they aren't expecting any until October 2nd, and that they are only expecting 5 of them.
He then told me that he has access to 2 of them through an alternative distributor who usually has stock of hard to find items, but the charge more.
He told me it was going to cost $550.00 for the drive plus 15 bucks shipping + 15% tax...thats $650.00!!! I wasnt sure I wanted to spend that much so I told him I would think about it and get back to him.
I decided to take the leap, after looking everywhere in Canada and not finding one. Wrote him 30 min later. Sold Out!!!

I am currently kicking myself...

We are looking in Canada too...anyone with Canadian leads, please post here too.

[desenso]

Yikes! That's crazy. I got another email from Newegg.. once again, they were instantly out of stock, and the price for the 80GB has gone up to $279! That's a $50 increase over the price from a few weeks ago.

Hard to tell what the hell the deal is with these, but it's getting frustrating. Going to start looking into alternatives.. perhaps even a first gen drive, though it's a bit grating to reward Intel for these shenanigans.

[tamvly]

Well, Amazon has them in stock for $320 if you really want one that badly.

I'll wait for the frenzy to subside and the price to drift back to $225.

[desenso]

Saw that too, but the in stock listing on Amazon is by Electronica Direct. I've seen some complaints (http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/electronicadirect-c148585.html) about this company claiming to have things in stock when in fact they don't. Don't really care to roll the dice on them, especially at that price, like you say.

[ildondeigiocchi]

I found a website based out of Alberta, and I e-mailed them to see when they would get them in. He told me that they aren't expecting any until October 2nd, and that they are only expecting 5 of them.
He then told me that he has access to 2 of them through an alternative distributor who usually has stock of hard to find items, but the charge more.
He told me it was going to cost $550.00 for the drive plus 15 bucks shipping + 15% tax...thats $650.00!!! I wasnt sure I wanted to spend that much so I told him I would think about it and get back to him.
I decided to take the leap, after looking everywhere in Canada and not finding one. Wrote him 30 min later. Sold Out!!!

I am currently kicking myself...

We are looking in Canada too...anyone with Canadian leads, please post here too.

Just picked up SL yesterday. It's already 2 weeks I've been waiting for the 80GB version to become available on Newegg.ca since I live in Canada and it still isn't. Now I see the Gen 1's price has gone up 234.99$ CAD to 255.00$ CAD. What is going on ?

[ildondeigiocchi]

Yet another change... in the past half hour the 80GB Gen 1. on newegg (CANADA) has gone up from 255$ to 266$!!! :confused:

[desenso]

Yet another change... in the past half hour the 80GB Gen 1. on newegg (CANADA) has gone up from 255$ to 266$!!! :confused:

The price has been steadily climbing on the US site as well.

[jessica.]

The 160 has seen one price jump from $449 to $499. :rolleyes: That's ********* if you ask me.

[ventro]

Yet another change... in the past half hour the 80GB Gen 1. on newegg (CANADA) has gone up from 255$ to 266$!!! :confused:
Now at $279... lame.

[spike8585]

What is the MSRP in CAD for the 160gb. I dont know if I want to pre-order one at $529.99 CAD + $10.00 (express shipping). They are only charging fed tax to quebec though, so its only 5% vs. 15%. I think it might make it worth while. ($27.00 (5%) vs $81.00 (15%)) I think the savings in tax make it worth while, rather than waiting for it at $499.99 or something.
What do you guys think? Any word on the MSRP in Canada?

PS. I am waiting to get an ETA on the drives, and I will post that when I know. He tells me that he wont be able to ask the Purchasing dept for ETA until Monday (Aug 31st).

[tamvly]

Well, early adopters always pay a premium price. Not that patience is easy.

[VirtualRain]

Newegg is notorious for increasing prices of items that are in high demand and short supply. Wait a week or two for things to stabilize and you will get a much better deal.

[TheBritishBloke]

I don't even know how to tell the difference between the G1 and G2.

Is the G2 the white one?

[Rainier42]

I don't even know how to tell the difference between the G1 and G2.

Is the G2 the white one?

Along with this question, what's the performance difference between the G1 and G2?

[zepharus]

Along with this question, what's the performance difference between the G1 and G2?

VERY little... in fact some test show the G1 slightly faster.. biggest issue is no (current) support for TRIM.

I got a G1 2 weeks ago off new egg witha FREE Icydock adapter for $229 free shipping and no tax... tough to beat that..

[Rainier42]

VERY little... in fact some test show the G1 slightly faster.. biggest issue is no (current) support for TRIM.

I got a G1 2 weeks ago off new egg witha FREE Icydock adapter for $229 free shipping and no tax... tough to beat that..

Thanks for your response to my question. Without TRIM support how do you plan to keep performance up on the drive?

[ildondeigiocchi]

Now at $279... lame.

It's back at 266$. Seems it's bound to stay above the 250$ zone.

[desenso]

Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167016&Tpk=SSDSA2MH080G2) has the 80GB it in stock right now for an insane $399. So offensive, I almost don't want to ever buy from Newegg again.

Edit: They've upped the price of the 160GB to $899 (not in stock) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167017&Tpk=SSDSA2MH160G2C1).

[jessica.]

Economics strikes back
$899

Newegg.com officially sucks.
191628

[AppleWorking]

Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167016&Tpk=SSDSA2MH080G2) has the 80GB it in stock right now for an insane $399. So offensive, I almost don't want to ever buy from Newegg again.

Now it's $499 for the 80GB :rolleyes:

[Rainier42]

Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167016&Tpk=SSDSA2MH080G2) has the 80GB it in stock right now for an insane $399. So offensive, I almost don't want to ever buy from Newegg again.

Edit: They've upped the price of the 160GB to $899 (not in stock) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167017&Tpk=SSDSA2MH160G2C1).

Offensive is right. Would rather just put my order into Amazon and wait.

[gugucom]

What if they jack up the price to previous level again?

[Lyshen]

Wow that is outrageous pricing by Newegg.

Mwave had it the 80gig in stock briefly earlier today as well at the more normal pricing.

[jedijoe]

newegg is also now selling the retail, not the OEM... but $899 must be a mistake.. I got mine from newegg for $440 + free shipping...

[spike8585]

Economics strikes back
$899

Newegg.com officially sucks.
191628

HAHA! Check again, Its now $1047.00 for the 160gb Gen2 at newegg.ca, In stock. That is just retarded. Retail version of the 80gb is $649.00.

I saw on bestdirect.ca based out of BC, that they had stock the other day. I bought one, but it turns out that they did NOT have stock. I decided to keep the order when I saw newegg. It looks like most online Canadian retailers share the same supply chain and in some cases, the same warehouses, and some are expecting them on September 21st, and others on October 2nd. I have been in e-mail contact with all of them (at least all that I could find).

I ended up going with bestdirect.ca, because there is only 5% tax if you live outside of BC, and $10 express shipping. Mine was $529.29, and is still listed the same for preorder. The 80gig is $267.93.

[Rainier42]

I ordered from Amazon for $269 US. ETA is end of September. With Amazon at least I know that I will not be getting dicked.

[jessica.]

Still $899 here.
I mean I don't need one or have a place to put one yet but I take great comfort in being able to see a friend get one for less than $450.

[Transporteur]

Ordered mine today for 366€ (520$). (160GB of course)
Will be delivered tomorrow! :cool:

[spike8585]

Got mine today for 366€ (520$). (160GB of course)
Will be delivered tomorrow! :cool:

Lucky Lucky!!! ;)

I am so impatient..haha.

[Doc69]

Yes, incredible price hikes an Newegg! Does anyone know why? Is it perhaps just a short-term supply/demand hike?

Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G2R5 2.5" 80GB $599
Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH080G2C1 2.5" 80GB $449

Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH160G2R5 2.5" 160GB $997
Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH160G2C1 2.5" 160GB $899.99


By the way, what is the difference between the "G2R5" and "G2C1" versions of the drive?

[spike8585]

By the way, what is the difference between the "G2R5" and "G2C1" versions of the drive?

I believe the R5 is the retail box

The C1 is the oem box in a plain brown box.

Or maybe there is more to that:

Intel High Performance Solid State Drive Ordering Information

Part Number, MM #, Device Nomenclature, Quantity

SSDSA1MH080G201 903845 80 GB SATA 1.8” 5 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 1 unit
SSDSA1MH080G2 901937 80 GB SATA 1.8” 5 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 50 units
SSDSA1MH160G201 903844 160 GB SATA 1.8” 5 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 1 unit
SSDSA1MH160G2 901936 160 GB SATA 1.8” 5 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 50 units
SSDSA2MH080G201 903847 80 GB SATA 2.5” 7 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 1 unit
SSDSA2MH080G2 901934 80 GB SATA 2.5” 7 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 50 units
SSDSA2MH160G201 903846 160 GB SATA 2.5” 7 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 1 unit
SSDSA2MH160G2 901933 160 GB SATA 2.5” 7 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 50 units
SSDSA2MH080G2C1 902383 80 GB SATA 2.5” 9.5 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 1 unit
SSDSA2MH080G2R5 902462 80 GB SATA 2.5” 9.5 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 5 units
SSDSA2MH160G2C1 902384 160 GB SATA 2.5” 9.5 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 1 unit
SSDSA2MH160G2R5 902464 160 GB SATA 2.5” 9.5 mm Drive, MLC, Production Unit 5 units


Or go to thread http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=752226&highlight=intel+x25+r5&page=11 and look at post #257 for a link to the intel datasheet.

[spike8585]

And now the 160gb and the 80gb are both deactivated on newegg.ca. I sure hope the pricing was a mistake, and that they just didnt sell out at those prices.

You have to be super rich, or super stupid to buy those at double the price, rather than waiting 3 weeks...or less.

[Rainier42]

And now the 160gb and the 80gb are both deactivated on newegg.ca. I sure hope the pricing was a mistake, and that they just didnt sell out at those prices.

You have to be super rich, or super stupid to buy those at double the price, rather than waiting 3 weeks...or less.

Yes, they are deactivated, but did you see their new pricing for the 80gb G1 drive? Was $229 and is now $359. Either they are having a major problem with their website or their smoking something.

[ildondeigiocchi]

Listen guys... the best thing is to wait .... wait and wait some more and then when the price drops back to normal we all go on a spending spree :D

[spike8585]

Yes, they are deactivated, but did you see their new pricing for the 80gb G1 drive? Was $229 and is now $359. Either they are having a major problem with their website or their smoking something.

Yea, and the 160gb was $1049.00 CAD. Ridiculous.

[spike8585]

FYI: http://www.pcper.com/comments.php?nid=7706

[wpc33]

Newegg may have hurt their reputation with that brief, but ridiculous price jump.

[pprior]

Newegg may have hurt their reputation with that brief, but ridiculous price jump.

Only with those who don't like free market economics :rolleyes:

Keep prices low and have no product to sell, or raise prices until the supply opens up and more product available... that's a basic issue of suppy and demand.

Just wait a few weeks - prices will normalize. If anyone is to blame, intel is the real bad guy here, not newegg. Afterall wasn't this just a "firmware" update that was supposedly holding up the release?

[tamvly]

There are no bad guys here; it's just business. Anyone silly enough to buy this stuff from NewEgg at these prices deserves what s/he gets.

Those of us who are patient will get the SSD when it's price comes down. I'll continue to do business with NewEgg as long as they offer a quality product for a reasonable rice. Otherwise, I'll go elsewhere. I'm fine with apps loading in tens of seconds until that day.

[desenso]

Only with those who don't like free market economics :rolleyes:

Keep prices low and have no product to sell, or raise prices until the supply opens up and more product available... that's a basic issue of suppy and demand.

Just wait a few weeks - prices will normalize. If anyone is to blame, intel is the real bad guy here, not newegg. Afterall wasn't this just a "firmware" update that was supposedly holding up the release?

I figured it was only a matter of time before the "free market economists" showed up. I don't think anyone here disputes that it's the profit-maximizing strategy. What we're pissed off about is that it's a clear case of gouging. Whether or not it makes business sense is debatable (does making a couple thousand dollars on a scarce but popular item outweigh the loss of consumer confidence and dedication?), but for me at least, Newegg's image as a consumer-friendly company has just taken a major hit. (Perhaps I had an overly-rosy image of the company before this happened, but I suppose that's irrelevant at this point.)

[pprior]

I figured it was only a matter of time before the "free market economists" showed up. I don't think anyone here disputes that it's the profit-maximizing strategy. What we're pissed off about is that it's a clear case of gouging. Whether or not it makes business sense is debatable (does making a couple thousand dollars on a scarce but popular item outweigh the loss of consumer confidence and dedication?), but for me at least, Newegg's image as a consumer-friendly company has just taken a major hit. (Perhaps I had an overly-rosy image of the company before this happened, but I suppose that's irrelevant at this point.)

Well first of all, I don't agree with the pejorative use of the term "gouging." What you are seeing is a free market maximizing the use of limited resources available. We're getting way off topic here, but those of us who don't support government babysitting the economy happen to believe that very high prices on certain items help to direct the efficiency of the market to correct supply deficiencies. I.e. - hurricane comes through and the law limits the price on generators. Thus when they sell out, no real profit motive to make extra effort to get more there. If the market would allow prices to adjust upward, then we would have industrious folks packing up trucks of generators and moving south to supply that demand. Then more people would end up with them, instead of fewer people at lower prices.

We're seeing the same thing happen here.

I happen to agree with you that newegg probably made a mistake in public relations (which is part of the equation certainly!) and long term have probably lost some trust in people who normally just go there and buy what they want without too much shopping around because they trust the price will be low.

What I object to is the labeling of such practices as "evil." There is a measurable appalling lack of understanding of market principles in the youth of today (many of whom can't name a supreme court justice or point out India on a map, but can tell you who Paris Hilton is dating....), and such comments show similar lack of insight.

[desenso]

Well first of all, I don't agree with the pejorative use of the term "gouging." . . . What I object to is the labeling of such practices as "evil." There is a measurable appalling lack of understanding of market principles in the youth of today (many of whom can't name a supreme court justice or point out India on a map, but can tell you who Paris Hilton is dating....), and such comments show similar lack of insight.

Don't get ahead of yourself. We can debate whether I used the term "gouging" properly -- that is, whether it should ever be used to describe situations other than the marking up of staples during times of emergency. But even if you object to such use, I think we can all agree that no one would have been confused here, and that it serves to illustrate the point that I'm trying to make.

In any event, I think Newegg is far more culpable than your argument suggests. I'm not an economist, but it seems to me that in order for the market to have the effect that you describe, it has to be relatively efficient. That's obviously not the case here. Newegg's pricing was only feasible because it was able to take advantage of a temporary monopoly that it appeared to hold on very limited stock of the drives. It's absurd to argue that the market could have any effect here -- competing etailers evidently have no recourse at the moment, even though I'm sure that they would desperately love to compete. Given these circumstances, I think a pejorative is completely deserved.

[orthorim]

Well first of all, I don't agree with the pejorative use of the term "gouging." What you are seeing is a free market maximizing the use of limited resources available.

There's no need for lengthy explanations: They are taking advantage of you and it's up to you how you respond to it. I, for one, don't like it, and won't buy from Newegg anymore - it's as simple as that.

Newegg isn't ebay, they're not in the business of selling to the highest bidder, and temporary gouging is not something a reputable company should do, ever.

Apple has supply problems with the iPhone, Nintendo had supply problems with the Wii for a long time, but did you see these companies try to make a quick buck off of that? No. Because these are good companies that know that long term customer satisfaction will yield them more profits than gouging ever could. They leave the making of a quick buck to opportunistic ebay traders, and that's how it should be.

You can come up with all manner of excuses for Newegg's behavior but the bottom line is, it's gouging, it's their good right, and it's my good right to not like it, and to punish Newegg by moving my business to other online traders. And yes I have bought from Newegg in the past, so I am not just saying that. You see, trading is not only about supply and demand, it's also about trust and about a merchant-customer relationship.

[pprior]

Absolutely agree with you on that last comment. There are a lot of reasons why we choose the vendors we choose. "trusting" that they will have consistently low prices is one of them.

I for example do a LOT of buying from Amazon under the prime program. It's easy, things get here quickly, and it makes my life easy. I know in most cases the prices are competitive, but not always the absolute lowest. It's worth it to me.

The argument was never that you should continue to blindly use newegg (or any other vendor), but rather that people (largely in the macbook forum) were making statements about marking up an item as being inherently wrong in a metaphysical sense, i.e. "evil." It may well be largely overwhelmed by negative publicity and bad customer experience, but that's a business decision.

Desenso - I appreciate greatly your last response, those kinds of thoughtful arguments are a rarity. I would say the despiration to compete is what will drive supply forward, as will other vendors (remember intel is not the only supplier of SSD) seeing what the market will truly bear for a high performance, reliable item. Remember markets are never 100% efficient and they also have delay in adapting to demand.

Anyway, we're so far off course I apologize for throwing in so much blabble on economics. It's just been on my mind recently due to all the major intrusions into the market will all the ridiculous bailouts and government meddling. But that's a whole 'nother topic and one best left out of this thread :eek:

I'm signing off with regards to the pricing argument, but look forward to seeing these getting into stock soon at "normal" prices as I'm going to get a couple for myself I think.

Best regards.

[wpc33]

I have to agree with all of you on different levels.
On an emotional level, I think what newegg did stinks.
On a sensible level, it's perfectly okay for them and the free-market. I understand, with pprior's help, that they don't deserve any real mud slung at them. But if one doesn't dig them anymore, then good going on voting with your dollars. If only people wouldn't vote for such awful films sometimes.

[desenso]

Back in stock at Newegg. $349 for the 80gb (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167016&Tpk=SSDSA2MH080G2). I got sick of waiting for Intel and bought a Corsair instead.

[Harrelson]

Back in stock at Newegg. $349 for the 80gb (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167016&Tpk=SSDSA2MH080G2). I got sick of waiting for Intel and bought a Corsair instead.

WHAAAT?

They charge that for the 80GB while Intel's RRP is $200?

Intel should cut these THIEVES out of the equation and ship the drives directly to customers for $200 and $400 for the 160GB

[MBHockey]

WHAAAT?

They charge that for the 80GB while Intel's RRP is $200?

Intel should cut these THIEVES out of the equation and ship the drives directly to customers for $200 and $400 for the 160GB

It's on Amazon for $250. Not sure why people are paying Newegg's prices.

[J&JPolangin]

...problem with Newegg and Amazon... Newegg is price gouging and Amazon won't ship to a US military address even though my FPO addy is considered a USA address:mad:

[MacProCpo]

J,
Use APOBox.com. That's how I get stuff to my APO addy in Japan. To date, I've yet to have problem with them.

[ildondeigiocchi]

Any ideas where to get this SSD either 80GB or 160Gb in Canada for regular pricing 249$ and 449$ respectively. Newegg has its prices at 369$ CAD for the 80GB and 679$ CAD for the 160GB version. WTF??? I'm really getting impatient on waiting for those prices to drop. Are there any other reliable stores that ship to canada?:confused:

[J&JPolangin]

J,
Use APOBox.com. That's how I get stuff to my APO addy in Japan. To date, I've yet to have problem with them.

MPCPO, I'm familiar with APO Box but I really don't like paying the extra shipping cost if I can avoid it...

It just torks me that so many companies shun the US military market overseas with their shipping costs/practices :mad:

[tamvly]

Ordered the retail version from Amazon on Friday last - $240. Cheaper than the OEM version - from a third party vendor - as it did not have shipping or sales tax added. Delivery scheduled for 9/23. Now whether it actually shows up ...

Oddly, the price is back up again on Amazon to well over $300.

More evidence that patience is a virtue.

[MythicFrost]

I'm waiting for the 160GB to be about $450 US, and I'm waiting for the 320GB that I've seen around (never in stock), to become available :O

Kind Regards

[desenso]

I'm waiting for the 160GB to be about $450 US, and I'm waiting for the 320GB that I've seen around (never in stock), to become available :O

Kind Regards

The 320GB has been discussed on the Intel roadmap but I don't think it's scheduled to be released until 2010, so it may be a long wait.

[MythicFrost]

Really, argh, I have 180GB of space, I need to fit it on a 160GB SSD :O
How does that work :/

Kind Regards

[alphaod]

Really, argh, I have 180GB of space, I need to fit it on a 160GB SSD :O
How does that work :/

Kind Regards

When I needed to do that, I just dumped everything onto an external.

[GeneralAntilles]

Really, argh, I have 180GB of space, I need to fit it on a 160GB SSD :O
How does that work :/


Move some stuff to another drive?

I broke down and ordered an 80GB G2R5 from one of Amazon's 3rd-party vendors when it dipped under $250 today. We'll see how it goes.

[MythicFrost]

Yeah, I've calculated space many times, I've got roughly 80GB in Virtual Machines (when running).

That's half the solid state drive, I've got about 12GB of applications, and probably 50GB of FCS stuff.

I don't know what to do :O

[desenso]

Yeah, I've calculated space many times, I've got roughly 80GB in Virtual Machines (when running).

That's half the solid state drive, I've got about 12GB of applications, and probably 50GB of FCS stuff.

I don't know what to do :O

Do you spend all day in the virtual drives? Run them off of a separate hard drive until capacities increase?

[MythicFrost]

I think I will install the additional data and stuff for FCS onto an external hard drive, you can do that right? It's like 40-50GB worth.
And possibly put Vista onto a hard drive and leave my main VM on the SSD.

Kind Regards

[orthorim]

If you have a mac pro you can just drop another HD in one of the 4 (?) available slots.

You can then move the large data and the vms to the other drive and leave the ssd for the system and as much work stuff as you can. That's what I will do.

If you want to keep the appearance of a single large drive you can use aliases or symlinks to reference the stuff on the HD.

[MBHockey]

Buy.com has the 160GB model in stock for $446 + tax and shipping.

[pprior]

Thanks. Bought one from them. Couldn't take it anymore. Would like 320gb, but maybe end of next year for that.

[orthorim]

Buy.com has the 160GB model in stock for $446 + tax and shipping.

care to post a link? all I found on buy.com was one for $700(!!)

http://www.buy.com/prod/160gb-x25m-mlc-ssd-2-5-9-5mm/q/loc/101/211487191.html

I finally got my 80GB, didn't have time to put it in yet....

[MBHockey]

care to post a link? all I found on buy.com was one for $700(!!)

http://www.buy.com/prod/160gb-x25m-mlc-ssd-2-5-9-5mm/q/loc/101/211487191.html

I finally got my 80GB, didn't have time to put it in yet....

It was available yesterday.

[pprior]

http://www.buy.com/prod/160gb-x25m-mlc-ssd-2-5-9-5mm/q/loc/101/211487191.html

[ildondeigiocchi]

I found one in my hometown for 279$ CAD which is much lower than newegg at the moment. Didn't buy it cuz it's on backorder but seems to be a steal for me. Are prices on Newegg.ca expected to drop on the G2 80GB version this month? I'm planning on buying 3- 2 in RAID 0 for SL and 1 for Bootcamp for Windows 7.

[orthorim]

http://www.buy.com/prod/160gb-x25m-mlc-ssd-2-5-9-5mm/q/loc/101/211487191.html

$699.... think I'll pass, thanks ;)

[pprior]

$699.... think I'll pass, thanks ;)

Wow. Was only $489 when I linked it. Glad i ordered when I did. These things seem to vacillate wildly day to day.

[MBHockey]

Anyone know where these are in stock?

My drive died an I need a replacement asap. I wante to wait for price drops, but I am not in a position to do so anymore.

[ehlfg]

I ordered a 160GB OEM X25-M from shopblt.com a week ago for about $480. At that time, BLT showed it as not in stock but with quantities available this week. Apparently so, because the X25-M shipped recently and is on its way.

However, the current page shows the OEM drive as constrained and doesn't allow ordering anymore.

The retail drive can be ordered, but the nearest upcoming shipments appear pretty limited.

http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=thispage&thispage=01300000U0123_BBC5241P.shtml&order_id=585266690

[jjahshik32]

I ordered a 160GB OEM X25-M from shopblt.com a week ago for about $480. At that time, BLT showed it as not in stock but with quantities available this week. Apparently so, because the X25-M shipped recently and is on its way.

However, the current page shows the OEM drive as constrained and doesn't allow ordering anymore.

The retail drive can be ordered, but the nearest upcoming shipments appear pretty limited.

http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=thispage&thispage=01300000U0123_BBC5241P.shtml&order_id=585266690

Hey thanks for that, its still priced at $488.. hmmm.. Might have to stick one in my 17 mbp..

[MBHockey]

Ugh, I hate being in this position. Just ordered it off of RipOffEgg.com for $609...only place that had it in stock for ~$600 that I trusted.

At least I'll be back up in running in a few days. :\

[MythicFrost]

< Got one off eBay from a power seller @ roughly 500.

[MBHockey]

< Got one off eBay from a power seller @ roughly 500.

Yeah i checked ebay over the last 3 days, only the G1 160 was around.

[smacman]

For anyone looking for this drive, I just received my G2 160gb from www.ncix.com. There are still lots in stock.

Good luck.

[3587]

For anyone looking for this drive, I just received my G2 160gb from www.ncix.com. There are still lots in stock.

Good luck.

What would it be to the U.S.? Shipping?

[shaunymac]

Just ordered a 80gb G2 yesterday. I pray that the 2 Day shipping I paid for gets it here by tomorrow. Pretty please!

I just topped out my mbp with 6 gigs of ram and bought a new external too. Woo Hoo! Hopefully now I won't feel like I need to get a new mac anytime soon. :D

I desparately needed that ram. Ps was tearing me up. It was awful.

[bonobos]

Of all places Amazon came through for me on the 160. I ended up paying 500, but that was shipped, without tax (~10% in Cali), so it was not too bad.

Haven't had a chance to install it yet. I did open it up - the drive seems to be new, and packaging was intact, but the drive itself has scratches all over the back, and towards the connectors. Do any of you other guys with these ssd's notice the same thing? I am just concerned the unit I got was new, and not used.

[3587]

Is this the 2nd Gen Intel 160? Looks much different than the other ones I've seen. Why does this one look different?

[ehlfg]

Looks like shopblt currently has a grand total of three (3) 160GB retail Gen2 SSDs in stock at $493.98.

http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=thispage&thispage=01300000U0123_BBC5241P.shtml&order_id=585266690

[ildondeigiocchi]

Are there any price drops expected from now to the holidays. Really anxious to pull the trigger on one of them but @ 300$ CAD without adapters i feel as though I'm spending my money unwisely.

[Salavat23]

Are there any price drops expected from now to the holidays. Really anxious to pull the trigger on one of them but @ 300$ CAD without adapters i feel as though I'm spending my money unwisely.

You can get them for $259 locally in Canada in the GTA.

[ildondeigiocchi]

You can get them for $259 locally in Canada in the GTA.

I live in Quebec so it's not as easy but @ 259$ I'd buy them right away. Any stores in GTA have online stores where I can buy from?

[tamvly]

Keep checking Amazon, folks. That's how I found one for a decent price ...

[Rafalski24]

I am just being ignorant and have decided I will find one really cheap on black friday. Maybe just maybe someone like Fry's is hoarding a ton of them and is gonna sell them uber cheap on black friday. maybe?

hey a guy can hope and wish right?!

[Maxian]

I just got delivered a 80GB X25-M G2 from a German seller on E-bay :D

I payed it around 300$ but consider that prices in Europe are higher ;)

[ildondeigiocchi]

Keep checking Amazon, folks. That's how I found one for a decent price ...

Amazon canada only has a 5 pack available of the 80Gb version which really sucks.

[3587]

MacMall looks like they have them in stock... When I purchased mine from them two week ago for $480, they were out, but I just got it today... Now I just need to sell or return my Mac Vertex 120 and I'm golden!

[VirtualRain]

Newegg apparently had the 80GB G2 for $214 ($225 CAD on Newegg.ca) earlier today but they are already sold out.

[TSchiewe]

Just an fyi for anyone still looking for these. Maxupgrade's is selling them /w their 2.5" to 3.5" sled for the Mac Pro and at pretty reasonable prices too.

The prices with the sled included (which they sell for $48.50 alone) is $285 for the 80gb and the 160gb is $499. I bought mine a few days ago and the shipping was fairly reasonable as well. The link is below:

http://www.maxupgrades.com/istore/index.cfm?fuseaction=Product.display&product_id=180

[ildondeigiocchi]

Just an fyi for anyone still looking for these. Maxupgrade's is selling them /w their 2.5" to 3.5" sled for the Mac Pro and at pretty reasonable prices too.

The prices with the sled included (which they sell for $48.50 alone) is $285 for the 80gb and the 160gb is $499. I bought mine a few days ago and the shipping was fairly reasonable as well. The link is below:

http://www.maxupgrades.com/istore/index.cfm?fuseaction=Product.display&product_id=180

I also saw this. However, we should see price drops in the coming month or so.

[JesterJJZ]

I also saw this. However, we should see price drops in the coming month or so.

What happens in a month?