If I recall correctly, the MSRP for the x25-v drives was supposed to be below $100 accordign to the pre-release articles from months ago (engagdet maybe?)
Actually, Anand said that in his article. Well, he didn't say it would "MSRP" at that price, but that it would be available "under $100 after rebate."
The SSD Improv: Intel & Indilinx get TRIM, Kingston Brings Intel Down to $115
"Kingston is offering a rebate through Newegg that will apparently drop the price to $84.99."
That's the title, so I guess the Kingston would be $115 MSRP and in the article said $85AR from Newegg. In fact, a week or two after availability at Newegg, the Kingston was a Shell Shocker special for $85ARFS.
I got mine from Buy.com for $90FS no rebate. :awe:
But, it could be depending on pricing. At minimum Shell Shockers are usually warm compared to normal Newegg pricing (which may or may not be the cheapest on the market).
If you look at the pics on newegg's site you can figure out all the shell shocker items. as for price; you can only guess. Newegg hasn't been dropping prices as much as in the past.
To elaborate, if you are on Newegg's mailing list you will get a weekly "Shell Shocker Preview" that has thumbnail pictures of upcoming deals plus a category description (such as "SSD" or "case"). If you can match up the picture to an actual item (easy with some, impossible with others) you can predict what will be offered. What you can't predict is pricing, other than it being lower than "normal" Newegg pricing. I think (correct me if I'm wrong) that Shell Shockers are always free shipping, so if an item normally has shipping you would save on that plus a small price discount. Sometimes there is also a rebate on top of the price/shipping discount.
Don't forget 2% Bing cashback, and use a credit card with some kind of rewards (I get 1% cashback).
There are work arounds to support trim on the kingston drives
Yes, and I can tell from experience that it is easy to do and works flawlessly.