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Beijing IDF: Toshiba provides 1.8-inch HDDs for Intel next-generation UMPC platform

Press release, April 18; Rodney Chan, DIGITIMES Asia 0

Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD) has announced collaboration with Intel to provide a family of 1.8-inch hard disk drive (HDD) solutions for the newest-generation ultra mobile PC (UMPC) and MID (mobile Internet device) platform architecture, which made its debut at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) 2007 Conference in Beijing, China.

Toshiba's 1.8-inch HDDs provide the small footprint, high capacity, low power and ruggedness needed to deliver the UMPC experience using Intel's new Intel Ultra Mobile Platform 2007, according to Toshiba.

Available in 30GB, 40GB, 60GB, 80GB and 100GB capacities, Toshiba's 1.8-inch HDDs deliver the storage capacity and responsiveness necessary to support the new platform's advanced computing capabilities while meeting the longer battery life, durability and small footprint requirements of the mobile environment.

The Intel Ultra Mobile Platform 2007 represents a significant step in the creation of a new category of connected mobile devices that support the full range of PC functionality including a seamless Internet experience, location adaptability and anytime connectivity for wireless email, instant messenger chat and VoIP.

"Toshiba's dedication to the advancement of 1.8-inch form factor storage solutions is realized in the new UMPC and MID platforms," said Robert DeLine, director of marketing of the Ultra Mobility Group at Intel. "These storage solutions, combined with Intel's high-performance, energy efficient processor and chipset, are well-suited for the demanding consumer."

As the first company to successfully market the 1.8-inch HDD form factor, Toshiba cited IDC as indicating that it commands over a 75% market share in the category, and it has shipped more than 40 million 1.8-inch HDDs since introduction in 2000.

"Toshiba's continued technology leadership in mobile HDDs has enabled us to offer a robust storage solution for Intel's next-generation UMPC and MID platforms," said Maciek Brzeski, vice president of marketing at Toshiba Storage Device Division. "Storage is a key factor in propelling the UMPC platform forward."