Toshiba Introduces Fastest Super-Slim CD-ROM Drive for Notebook Computers; Drive Offers 11-Speed Maximum Transfer.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 1996--Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Disk Products Division (TAIS DPD) today introduced the industry's fastest super-slim CD-ROM drive.

The new internal XM-1502B is the first to achieve 11-speed-maximum and 10-speed-average rotational speeds in a slim-line form factor.

Toshiba will display the drive, highlighting its small size, during Comdex '96 in Toshiba Booth No. L1114, Las Vegas Convention Center.

New Drive Packs Fast Transfer and Access, High Reliability into Very Small Drive

"We developed the XM-1502B specifically for integration into today's increasingly slim notebook computers," said Scott Smith, vice president of marketing, TAIS DPD. "The XM-1502B packs leading-edge data transfer rates, access and reliability into an incredibly small 12.7mm high drive that meets the size, weight and power constraints of notebook computers."

XM-1502B Access and Transfer Rates

The XM-1502B drive features a fast random access time of only 150ms and an average random seek of 130ms. The drive, which reads at a maximum of 1,650KB/sec. and an average 1,500KB/sec., also supports burst transfer rates of 11.1MB/sec. in PIO and 13.3MB/sec. in DMA.

Partial Constant Angular Velocity is Key to Fast Transfer

The XM-1502B achieves its maximum 11-speed transfer through Partial Constant Angular Velocity (PCAV). PCAV combines the best of Constant Angular Velocity (CAV) and Constant Linear Velocity (CLV) to provide the fastest, maximum data transfers from any place on the disc. "Rather than a constant spin rate that provides a variable transfer, or a variable spin speed that provides a constant transfer, PCAV allows the drive to read the inner and outer tracks of data on the CD-ROM at different speeds," explains Smith. "As a result, we achieve optimum transfer rates from anywhere on the disc."

Active Wide Range and Digital Servo Control Further Enhance Performance

Toshiba designed the drive for optimum performance. The XM-1502B employs Toshiba's proven Active Wide Range playback system and digital servo control. The Active Wide Range playback system allows the drive to read data at +/- 80% of a specific rotational speed -- allowing the drive to access data on the disc at almost any time. The digital servo control, which offers greater precision in tracking and head positioning, furth contributes to performance and reliability.

New Motor and Pick-Up Head, Buffer Lend to Drive's High Performance

To achieve its high-performance specifications, the drive is optimized with a newly developed motor and pick-up head engineered specifically for super-slim CD-ROM drives. A 128KB buffer further contributes to the drive's performance.

Small Size Optimized with Technology Innovations

The XM-1502B's super-small size and extra-high performance is characteristic of Toshiba's engineering and design innovation. The XM-1502B measures only 12.7mm (H) x 128mm (W) x 136mm (D) and weighs only 10.15 ounces -- measurements perfectly suited for today's increasing slim notebook computers. With its small size and low weight, the drive can be easily designed into the slimmest of today's low-profile notebook computers.

Drive Designed for High Reliability

The new XM-1502B sets high-performance standards without sacrificing reliability. The XM-1502B's fully-sealed enclosure prevents contamination and ensures reliability, resulting in a 100,000 MTBF. The XM-1502B's 5-volt power supply reduces power consumption to 2.7 watts average and generates less heat during operation for overall reliability. Finally, drive boasts advanced error correction capabilities for data integrity.

Reliability for Secure Computing

For disc security, the XM-1502B's drawer-type disc loading system firmly holds an inserted disc so that it can be left in a PC during transport, or even if the PC is stood on end.

CD-E Compatible, Compliant With MPC-3 and Various Disc Formats

Toshiba developed the XM-1502B drive to fully meet a variety of popular multimedia and disc formats. A new feature is the drive's compatibility with the CD-Erasable, also known as "CD-E" format, which ensures that all future CD-E discs can be read on the drive. The drive is also fully compliant with MPC-3 specifications and supports Kodak multi-session Photo CD, CD-DA, CD-Extra, CD-G, CD-I, CD-I Ready, CD-I Bridge, CD-ROM XA, Photo CD and Video CD.

Easy Integration through ATAPI Interface

The new XM-1502B is designed for use in notebook computers and features an ATAPI interface that eases integration.

Price and Availability

Toshiba's XM-1502B internal CD-ROM drive is priced at $205 in OEM quantities and is available now.

For More Information

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with approximate annual sales of $3 billion, TAIS is comprised of seven divisions which manufacture and market a wide range of business and information-oriented products in the United States. Products include portable and desktop computers, DVD-ROM drives, CD-ROM drives, disk drives, plain paper copiers, facsimile systems, digital key telephones and PBX systems, voice mail systems and toner products.

TAIS is an independent operating company, owned by Toshiba America Inc., a subsidiary of the $53.8 billion Toshiba Corporation, the fifth largest computer and electronics manufacturer, and the world's 36th largest corporation in terms of sales. Toshiba Corporation is a world leader in high-technology products with 173 major consolidated subsidiaries worldwide.

The TAIS Disk Products Division markets a wide range of industry-standard Winchester, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives in the United States. For additional product information, contact Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Disk Products Division, 9740 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618-1697; telephone [phone], or on the World Wide Web at: http://www.tais.com/taisdpd/ or http://www.toshiba.com.

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