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Toshiba 40GB Perpendicular Magnetic Record Drives

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the hot-new-methods dept.

freitasm writes "Toshiba is now shipping a 40GB 1.8" hard disk, the first in the industry based on the PMR (Perpendicular Magnetic Recording) technology. The disk stores 40GB in a single platter, and there are plans to release a 80GB version later this year. The first models are already being used on Toshiba's new Gigabeat MP3 players." It's all part of their plan to squeeze more bits onto the head of a pin.

11 of 277 comments (clear)

  1. Obligatory geek link - get perpendicular! by SD_92104 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Even though the following is from Hitachi, it is still entertaining (and maybe we can bring down their server too...)

    Get Perpendicular!

  2. Informative Video by linux_warp · · Score: 4, Funny

    There is a great flash video that explains perpendicular recording, with music no less, at http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/research/recording_h ead/pr/PerpendicularAnimation.html
    produced by Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, for the curious as to how it actually works.

    1. Re:Informative Video by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      This is one of the mysteries of slashdot moderation. On occasion, they have been known to moderate four to five essentially identical messages the same way, without even touching the 'Redundant' tag. Nevertheless, we continue to trust them to tell us what is funny and what is not, who is insightful and who is not.

  3. of course, you didn't hear? by mnemonic_ · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yep, it's coming out 2007 May 05. As you know, we Slashdotters are privy to all manner of corporate secrets. Also, we can predict the future. I am sorry that you have not yet discovered these abilities. It is likely that your 800k uid inhibits them somewhat.

  4. Re:Is 40GB the smallest you can buy now? by Eightyford · · Score: 2, Funny

    Easy, killer.

    --
    Religion for nerds. Stuff that really matters
  5. Re:Faster... by Wireless+Joe · · Score: 5, Funny
    Anyone know what the performance of these "perpendicular" drives will be like compared to today's accepted methods?
    When I had a perpendicular drive installed in my current mp3 player (at significant expense I might add), I immediately noticed it produced a richer, warmer tone with better bass response and aural clarity. There was some fading off in the midrange, but overall a very satisfactory listening expierence.

    Oh, wait...
  6. Re:HDs with two sets of heads? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    full-duplex!

  7. Re:1.8-inch form factor by jim_deane · · Score: 3, Funny


    SI units? You want us to use SI units?

    But we were just getting warmed up to Metric!

  8. Sprint Commercial. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    "It's all part of their plan to squeeze more bits onto the head of a pin."

    It's so quiet, you can hear your data drop.

  9. Re:Faster... by ashitaka · · Score: 2, Funny

    Coloring around the outside of the case in green highlighter will fix the midrange.

    --
    If you don't want to repeat the past, stop living in it.
  10. Camp Perpendicular!! by mattshadbolt · · Score: 2, Funny

    Hello all

    Found this little animations about perpendicular hard drives quite funny(although a little disturbing!).

    Slashdot wouldnt submit my story but hopefully you guys will see it!

    http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/research/recording_h ead/pr/PerpendicularAnimation.html

    - matty