Toshiba today announced the availability of its first hard drive based on perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR), a new technology that increases the amount of data a drive can hold. The new MK4007GAL 1.8-inch PMR drive can store 40GB of data on a single platter, making it possible for thinner portable devices with larger capacity.
Toshiba, which makes the hard drives found in current iPods, hinted that future gadgets will take advantage of the new innovation, noting that an 80GB version is on the way. “The addition of PMR technology will increase capacity options for product designs beyond those currently on the market today, especially as Toshiba introduces an 80GB 1.8-inch HDD with PMR later this year,” the company said.
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