Toshiba announced today the first dual-platter 240GB (MK2431GAH) and single-platter 120GB (MKxx31GAL series) 1.8-inch HDDs that can be used for portable media players, camcorders and compact ultra-mobile PCs. An 80GB solution has also been included in the series, making it a complete offering of high-capacity 4,200 RPM 1.8-inch HDDs both for consumer electronics and mobile PC system manufacturers.

The new Parallel ATA HDD families from Toshiba Storage Device Division are characterized by the highest density in the industry, namely 344 gigabits-per-square-inch, courtesy of the fourth-generation PMR (perpendicular magnetic recording) technology, first to be used by Toshiba in 2005. The company has been consistently delivering leading-edge capacities in the 1.8-inch form factor which comply with the high demand for the miniaturization of mobile machines to run digital video, photo, audio and computing applications.

The durability of the 1.8-inch HDD series is leveraged through the use of a new hardware and firmware design, which also enables the usage of the 80GB and 120GB single-platter HDDs for slim-line mobile gadgets and PC applications. The dual-platter 240GB MK2431GAH device has been designed for light-weight mobile PC applications and high-end digital video camcorders, offering the capacity and roughness they require.

The 240GB MK2431GAH features optimized power performance and brings 33 percent improved efficiency in energy consumption in comparison to the previous two-platter generation 160GB 3,600 RPM 1.8-inch model. The entire line of Toshiba's new 4,200 RPM 1.8-inch HDDs is capable of solid performance, while the power consumption during read/write operations has been reduced by 20 percent due to state-of-the-art electrical components. The new drives also feature an 8MB buffer, boosting application performance.

“Toshiba’s dedication and focus on 1.8-inch HDD product development over the past decade has enabled us to continually drive innovation in this form factor - from robust capacity introductions to improved performance and power efficiency,” said Maciek Brzeski, vice president of marketing at Toshiba Storage Device Division. “Thanks to these continual advancements, 1.8-inch HDDs have become an ideal form factor for the digital world, where the ability to handle rich digital content in a mobile environment is king.”

Toshiba has been leading the market of 1.8-inch HDDs since 2000. The new devices also make use of substances that are not harmful to the environment, which shows the company's commitment towards the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions during HDD operation. The design of the new MKxx31GAL series can lower carbon dioxide emissions by 54 grams per year.

The new 1.8-inch HDDs are to be incorporated into consumer electronics and mobile PC products that will be shipped during this holiday season.