Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., the industry pioneer in small form factor hard disk drives (HDDs), today introduced a new line of 1.8-inch HDDs with up to 160GB of capacity in a single-platter, five-millimeter-high design targeted for next-generation portable media players, digital video cameras and other consumer electronics products.
Toshiba's new MKxx34GAL family of 1.8-inch HDDs offers consumer electronics manufacturers a thin and light package with the industry's highest storage capacity, best power consumption efficiency, most durability and quietest seek operation of any HDD on the market.
Equipped with a PATA interface, 4,200 RPM rotational speed and acoustic-reduction features, Toshiba's MKxx34GAL HDD is ideal for audio and video playback applications that require high-capacity in a small footprint with quiet operation to maximize the entertainment experience of the host device. Leveraging Toshiba's long history of technology expertise in miniaturization and the 1.8-inch HDD form factor, the MKxx34GAL is the quietest hard drive produced because of its size and the advanced acoustic management techniques that Toshiba has incorporated into all of its recent mobile HDD platforms.
The new single-platter HDD family is perfect for on-the-go entertainment and immediate digital content capture. The MKxx34GAL provides superior ruggedness and durability compared to larger form factor HDDs, tolerating up to 1,500 G of non-operational shock and 600G of operational shock. At 160GB, the highest-capacity HDD in the family can store up to either 45,000 digital photos, 42,000 digital music files or 130 downloaded digital videos - all in a device about the size of a credit card.
"1.8-inch HDDs are key components in a variety of handheld and mobile products that require the combination of high-capacity, durability, cost-effectiveness and reliability in a small and compact footprint," said Maciek Brzeski, vice president of marketing at Toshiba Storage Device Division. "With the increasing demand for anytime content access and capture, we continue to see healthy opportunity for 1.8-inch HDDs in portable devices. Our 1.8-inch products have fueled innovation in a variety of markets, and have been installed in many products that are today, common household items."
Since 2000, Toshiba has shipped more than 70 million 1.8-inch HDDs to a variety of leading consumer electronics and PC manufacturers, maintaining the number one share position since entering the 1.8-inch HDD market in 2000. According to industry analyst firm IDC, Toshiba commanded 68 percent of the 1.8 market in the second quarter and Toshiba expects to exceed that amount by the end of 2009.
Capacities and Availability
Shipping now to consumer electronics manufacturers, the compact 160GB model leads the MKxx34GAL series with mass production of the 60GB, 80GB and 120GB models scheduled in late September. The family targets a variety of consumer-oriented applications, including product lines that offer a range of capacities and price points. For more information on Toshiba's line of industry-leading small form factor hard drives, visit www.toshibastorage.com.
