Researchers have developed a new type of memory called "phase-change" that is 500 to 1,000 times faster than flash memory while using half the power. The implications are for instant-on computers with longer battery lives, instant-access to photos on your digital camera with longer battery life, and, you know, a fast and long-lasting MP3 player.
There´s conspicuously little info on when this technology will be ready for consumer applications and exactly how much it´ll cost, so I´m going to go out on a limb here and predict that it´ll be a couple years at least and it´s very expensive. Here´s hoping I´m wrong. –Adam Frucci