A-Data is ready to release a new solid state drive (SSD) which can be used both internally, and externally as a portable drive. Known as the A-Data N004, the storage device uses SATA 3Gb/s and USB 3.0 interfaces. Weighing at only 87 grams, the drive provides 200MB/s read, and 170MB/s write speeds. It is available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB of storage capacities. No word on pricing and availability so far. [TechPowerUp!]

3M has unveiled its new USB 3.0-powered monitor. The 18.5-inch monitor is powered by a couple of USB 3.0 ports and produces 1366 x 768 pixel resolution. For your info, the USB 3.0 interface supports up to 5GB/s transfer rate, so there will be more room for high-definition pictures when compared to the 480Mbit/s of USB 2.0. There is no info on when this USB 3.0-powered monitor will go into mass production. Stay tuned for more updates. [Pocket-lint]

If you are looking for a high-speed USB 3.0 portable hard drive, then check out the latest BlackArmor PS110 USB 3.0 from Seagate. Designed for notebook computers, the device delivers data transfer rate of up to three times faster than its USB 2.0 predecessor, making it one of the world’s fastest portable hard drives. The new BlackArmor PS 110 USB 3.0 Performance kit is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and retails for approximately $179.99 a pop. [FarEastGizmos]

Super Talent has showed off their latest USB powered RAID storage system at CES 2010. The Super Talent RAIDDrive USB 3.0 boasts transfer speeds over 300MBps when used with USB 3.0 supported systems, which is five times the speed of USB 2.0. The device also backwards compatible with earlier USB ports. Measuring at 15.4mm tall, the Super Talent USB 3.0 RAIDDrive is a little bit taller than an internal notebook drive. It is currently available in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB versions. No info on pricing so far. [Electronista]

Brando is back with the PCI-Express USB 3.0 Host Controller Card, which will enable your computer to support a high speed USB 3.0 interface with up to 5Gb/s of transfer rate and up to 900mA of power for each port. The Brando PCI-Express USB 3.0 Host Controller Card is priced at $38 each. [Brando]

While we wait for the big boys to get their acts together and standardize around USB 3.0 and the newest SATA protocol, the more nimble outfits are already looking to capitalize. Take CyberPower, for instance, who has just announced that its entire Gamer Xtreme desktop range will soon boast USB 3.0 and SATA 6G as standard features. In fact, prospective buyers can customize a rig right now with both of those features onboard, and of course, both are backwards compatible in order to work with your existing slate of accessories and peripherals. The Gamer Xtreme line gets going at $749, and yes, we too hope this introduction sparks a revolution across the board