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IBM Introduces 'Air Bags' For Laptop Hard Drives

Posted by simoniker on from the wam-bang-boom dept.

Ruger writes "Reported in PCWorld this morning, IBM has introduced a technology for their new laptop hard discs which has a similar concept to airbags in cars. Active Protection System (APS) is a microchip put on the system board that senses acceleration. It parks the head of a hard drive inside a tenth of a second, significantly reducing the risk of damage to data. IBM also has a a press release on the new ThinkPad R50 and T41 models that include this technology, for those interested in the company line."

5 of 269 comments (clear)

  1. What about by Sir+Haxalot · · Score: 5, Funny

    seatbelts? Bet they hadn't though of that.
    *goes off to patent it*

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    I have over 70 freaks, do you?
  2. And in other news... by stephenisu · · Score: 5, Funny

    Fatality rate among children riding in front seat with laptops doubles.

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    Sigs? We don't need no stinking sigs!
  3. I'll be impressed by Transient0 · · Score: 5, Funny

    when it can also detect incoming hammer blows and deflect them aside kung-fu style.

    Also, adding further encouragement for me to throw my notebook across the room is the LAST think they need to do.

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    lysergically yours
  4. Sure, but what about terminal velocity? by Target+Practice · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can see how this would help if you dropped it from a table, or your briefcase, but what do they have to help the laptop that reaches its terminal velocity? It's not accelerating, so it'll unlock the drive, and then SLAM! your data's gone! Skydiving with a satellite connection may not be popular at IBM, but hey, think of the rest of us, you insensitive clod!

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    There's a 68.71% chance you're right.
  5. Re:Yay! I think... by mnemonic_ · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm sure IBM's engineers have IQ's that are at least 25.