Samsung Electronics Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of computer memory chips and smartphones, on Monday unveiled a smaller version of its new high-performance, high-density data storage devices, further expanding its line-up of solid state drives and offering a wider range of choices to consumers.

A SSD is a data storage device mainly used for laptops.

The 840 EVO mini SSD, one-fourth the size of its existing model, boasts the industry’s largest storage capacity and smallest size. The new product offers up to 1TB capacity, weighs 8.5 grams and is 3.85 millimeters thick, according to Samsung.

The new 840 EVO mini SSD uses the industry’s most compact 10-nanometer class 128Gb high-performance NAND flash memory, which Samsung began mass producing in April.

As part of its strategy to expand into the consumer market, Samsung introduced the 840 EVO SSD to major markets in early August.

The 840 EVO mini SSD line-up is available in five capacities: 120GB, 250GB, 500GB, 750GB and 1TB, supporting a wide range of computing environments and IT applications, according to Samsung.

According to research firm iSuppli, Samsung ranked first in the global SSD market last year by logging US$1.25 billion in sales and garnering a 22 percent share.

The market researcher projected that the global market for SSD is expected to reach some $10 billion this year, compared with last year’s $7 billion. (Yonhap News)