Toshiba intros 160GB 1.8-inch hard drive
updated 06:00 pm EDT, Wed September 9, 2009
Toshiba intros quietest, largest 1.8-inch HDD
Toshiba has recently unveiled a new lineup of portable hard drives for portable consumer electronic devices, all based on a 1.8-inch form factor and up to 160GB in capacity. All MKxx34GAL units use a single platter that is less than a fifth of an inch (5mm) high, making them suitable for portable media players, digital video cameras and other portable electronics. Toshiba touts its new drives as offering the highest storage capacity, best power efficiency, most durability and quietest seek operation.
The 4,200RPM drives use a PATA interface and are said to withstand up to 1,500G of shock when powered off and 600G when turned on. There is 8MB of buffer memory, a 15ms average seek time and an areal density of 467Gb/in. Apple uses this drive in its latest iPod classic audio player.
The 160GB model is now available, with the 60GB, 80GB and 120GB models due to arrive late in September. Pricing has not been revealed and will likely be set for individual device makers.
