It looks like Intel may be ready to launch new solid-state drives based on 34nm NAND technology within two weeks or less, a report claims. Rumored since January, the drives are expected to ship in 80, 160 and 320GB capacities, the last being significant for more practically replacing a conventional hard disk. Other capacities may also be in the works, dense enough to replace many notebook hard drives, a source says.

The 34nm process is said to offer several advantages, including not only higher capacities but faster performance. Intel may also be able or willing to lower prices, traditionally the greatest obstacle to SSD adoption; an SSD-equipped MacBook Air, for instance, is $300 more than one using the default hard drive. Airs are not, however, believed to currently use Intel drives.