What is the benefit of using flash memory in the Macbook Air? I don't understand why Apple does not use SSD drives in the Macbook Air like some other manufacturers to (e.g. Asus, Samsung). The technical specifications of the Macbook Air on Apple's website never mention the use of SSDs.

Apple only speaks of flash memory in the Macbook Air.


How does the use flash memory compare to SSDs? What are the benefits?


Edit:


Does dropping the SATA interface improve the theoretical throughput and latency of I/O operations to the hard-disk?
They are pretty much the same. The only thing that differentiate SSD with a flash is the fact is housed in a big case. And the MacBook Air flash memory is attached to specific card inside the MacBook Air.
To save space for starters (there is simply not any space left for a real SSD) and I thought is served better cooling too.