Since Microsoft launched Windows Vista, there have been a number of complaints from users regarding usability of the operating system and other problems. One of the most common complaints about operating system is the sometimes sluggish response times in machines with inadequate amounts of memory onboard.
Microsoft tried to address some of the memory utilization issues with its ReadyBoost capability, which allows users to plug-in compatible flash drives to speed the system up. The catch is that many people who try to take advantage of ReadyBoost reported no real gains in performance.
Intel saw the opening for technology that would help accelerate Windows Vista and introduced its Turbo Memory. Intel Turbo Memory hasn't proven too successful to date and has found little support with PC manufacturers. In fact, HP has openly stated it saw no value in using Intel Turbo Memory in its notebooks.
News.com reports that Intel has introduced a new version of its Turbo Memory, which aims to transparently optimize Windows for flash memory storage. The new version offers a dashboard for Windows and allows the user to choose and control what applications or files are loaded into Intel's Turbo Memory. Intel calls the ability to pick and choose what files are loaded into Turbo Memory "user pinning."
Programs and applications that are data intensive will see the most benefit from the new Intel Turbo Memory according to Intel. Turbo memory is also said to be capable of accelerating gaming, digital media editing, and productivity software.
The goal for Intel Turbo memory is to address the shortcomings Windows has taking full advantage of flash storage devices. Avi Cohen from Avian Securities told News.com, "The more interesting way is to have it (ability to take full advantage of flash storage) built into the operating system. I don't think it (Turbo Memory) gains much traction because I don't think users want to sit there and start selecting what goes where. It was a valiant effort by Intel to accelerate the move toward solid state on PC."
Intel's Troy Winslow, marketing manager for the NAND Products Group, says that Intel "has shipped millions of units" of Turbo Memory. Winslow expects Turbo Memory to show up in many manufacturers’ high-end notebooks.