FlashMate just introduced a new hybrid hard drive technology that allows data to be read, even if your computer is switched off! This is very convenient for notebook users as they can now access content on the hard disk drive without having to power on the laptop if they want to view digital pictures, listen to mp3s, check their email, etc.

FlashMate combines firmware, hardware, and software in a system application subsystem that manages a notebook’s hard drive. It’s based on Silicon Storage Technology’s (SST) expertise in NAND flash controllers, as well as a memory subsystem design with Insyde Software’s specialty in PC BIOS. It works well along with features like Windows Vista ReadyDrive and can also serve as a cache for the hard disk drive.

The hybrid drive features a hard disk drive with a NAND flash drive that acts as a data cache. By using the NAND flash memory buffer while the system is active, the notebook’s hard drive is rarely used, thus reducing power consumption, increasing performance, and giving you faster boot and resume times. It does a little more than just give notebook users access to hard disk data via the notebook’s USB interface. Users can now conveniently perform tasks without having to go through a lengthy boot process.

Products featuring FlashMate technology will be available from in the second quarter of 2008. SST is currently working with notebook manufacturers to have FlashMate designed into their products as an application.

[via bi-me]