Instead of doubling the speed, they could rather double the number of heads that read the same platter. Hey, 7 heads on one platter could maybe work...? This could improve the seek time without doubling the noise. (It would also prove quite hard to implement.)
The theory sounds interesting, but it remains cold fusion without an experiment.
The article says "Unfortunately, the researchers have not been able to generate ball lightning in the laboratory. But Dr Graham Hubler, of the United States Naval Research Laboratory, who has taken a keen interest in lightning balls, says the research has much promise."
The grand story of the modern age: "We have solved the problem - it's a new theory"
Slashdot Mirror
The article says "Unfortunately, the researchers have not been able to generate ball lightning in the laboratory. But Dr Graham Hubler, of the United States Naval Research Laboratory, who has taken a keen interest in lightning balls, says the research has much promise."
The grand story of the modern age: "We have solved the problem - it's a new theory"