Toshiba reveals rugged 2.5-inch HDDs

Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD), the pioneer in small form factor hard disk drives (HDDs), today announced two new 2.5-inch HDD models designed for rugged 24-hour continuous operation in computing, industrial, and other extreme environments. The new models – the 100GB1 SATA interface MK1060GSCX and the 80GB1 PATA interface MK8050GACY – offer exceptional reliability and performance across wide temperature, altitude, and vibration ranges, making them excellent choices for use in industrial equipment such as ATMs, digital surveillance, factory automation, and ruggedized PCs.

Designed for extended periods of operation, the MK1060GSCX and MK8050GACY feature a “case temperature” range of -15 to +70 degrees Celsius2 – the widest temperature range for 24/7* power-on operation in the HDD market. Both drives also have an expanded operating altitude range and offer better resistance to vibration when compared to standard HDD models.

“The reliability and performance of today’s hard disk drives continue to expand the applications for digital storage technologies beyond traditional markets,” said Scott Wright, Product Manager, Toshiba Storage Device Division. “These new models provide both the extended operating range for commercial applications as well as a longer model production window to better fit commercial design and business cycles.”

The two new models build upon Toshiba’s long-standing design expertise in automotive-grade HDD technology, a market in which Toshiba has held 75 percent market share since 2003. In addition, as part of Toshiba’s commitment to the environment, the MK1060GSCX is halogen free and both drives are compliant with the European Union’s Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS).

The MK1060GSCX and MK8050GACY will begin volume production in December 2010.