Connected Data, the creator of the Drobo line of smart storage solutions, has launched its Drobo Mini with Solid State Disk (SSD) drives. The company says they deliver as much as 80% more performance compared to a Mini configured with traditional spinning hard drives.

The Drobo Mini connects via Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 and features four 2.5-inch SSD drive bays with an mSATA accelerator option in a package that is rugged, compact and portable, weighing less than three pounds. Like all Drobo products, Drobo Mini protects data without user intervention, even in the event of multiple SSD drive failures.

The Drobo Mini with SSD is available today in three capacity bundles of 1TB, 2TB and 4TB starting at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US $1,199 through www.drobostore.com and select channel partners.