TOSHIBA INTRODUCES INDUSTRY'S FIRST 30GB PER PLATTER 2.5-INCH HARD DISK DRIVE FAMILY.

Toshiba's Storage Device Division (SDD), the industry pioneer in small form factor, high-capacity hard disk drives (HDDs), has announced a 60GB 2.5-inch drive -- the first 2.5-inch HDD product based on a 30GB per platter design.

Toshiba was first-to-market for the past three generations with 10GB, 15GB and 20GB per platter products. The new 30GB per platter product marks the fourth generation of areal density leadership in the 2.5-inch 9.5mm form factor, delivering the industry's highest areal density at 48.8 gigabits per square inch.

The new drive supports fast transfer rates and seek times, allowing users to access more data in less time. Ideal for multi-functional mobile PCs and non-PC applications such as telecommunications, printers, copiers, GPS systems and MP3 players, the new 60GB dual platter drive provides manufacturers with an abundance of capacity and performance in a compact form factor.

"Toshiba's customers have come to rely on our consistency, reliability and first-to-market delivery," said Amy Dalphy, manager, HDD business unit, Toshiba SDD. "Market-leading areal density and overall product leadership is what customers expect and receive from Toshiba's storage portfolio."

The new HDD line offers 60GB (MK6021GAS) capacity in an ATA-5 compliant interface, supporting high transfer rates of 100MB/sec. The robust HDD can withstand operational shock of up to 200g and non-operating shock of up to 800g, and will begin shipping in late May.

With the introduction of lead-free soldering and halogen-free printed circuit boards on all new hard disk drives produced by Toshiba, the environmentally conscious can be reassured of Toshiba's commitment to the global environment.