Kingston's SSDNow V series solid state drives (SSDs) handle the TRIM command used by operating systems including Windows 7.

The ATA TRIM command provides an operating system with a way of telling an SSD that one or more data blocks are no longer in use. The drive can then avoid unnecessarily rewriting data (SSDs can only delete data in much larger blocks than they can write), and wear levelling (rewriting data to avoid the disproportionate use of certain blocks) is made more efficient.

TRIM support helps reduce the performance degradation observed in SSDs over time.

"Kingston has really increased the performance on the new second generation SSDNow V Series drive without raising the price, and maintaining pricing will be huge for our customers," said Vaughan Nankivell, Kingston's  regional manager for Australia and New Zealand.

"By bundling together all of the software, hardware and step-by-step instructions with the drive, we make it easy for everyday users to upgrade with an SSD. The addition of TRIM support is a key benefit because it enables the SSD to maintain optimal performance throughout its lifespan," he added.

So, how much to they cost, and when can you buy them? Please read on.

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The SSDs are available in 30GB (available from March 1), 64GB and 128GB (both available immediately) versions, and as bare drives or desktop or notebook upgrade kits.

The desktop kits include 3.5in mounting brackets and associated hardware, plus SATA and power cables. The notebook kit comes with an external USB SATA enclosure to allow continued use of the existing 2.5in drive.

Acronis True Image cloning software comes with both kits, making it easy to transfer the existing system image to the new SSD.

Prices range from $A255 to $A585.