Nice volume size is going up ... Toshiba on Thursday unveiled a 256GB SSD in a 2.5-inch format, offering users a maximum of 120MB per second read speeds, and 80MB per second write. The announcement comes shortly after Samsung unveiled some low-cost and high-performance SSDs, with the Toshiba drives edging out over the Samsungs in terms of speed. Three flash modules for UMPCs and other handhelds were also unveiled, featuring read and write speeds of 80MB per second and 50MB per second, respectively, available in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB sizes.

The 256GB drive boasts a slender form factor (3mm), while the flash modules measure 50mm by 30mm. Both offer a 3Gbps SATA connection for interfacing with a computer. Toshiba highlights a new MLC (multi-level cell) controller which it credits for the new SSD drive's faster read-write speeds, faster parallel data transfers, and improved wear leveling versus earlier MLC drives.

Toshiba is set to demonstrate the drives in Japan during the CEATEC conference in Makuhari. Mass production is due to commence during the fourth quarter of 2008, but other availability and pricing information was not readily available.