Imation Micro Hard Drive to use Toshiba's 0.85-inch HDDs

Imation will use Toshiba's 2GB 0.85-inch HDD for the company's new Micro Hard Drive, which will be featured in ultra-portable wireless solutions. The 2GB 0.85-inch HDD from Toshiba is world's smallest HDD and measures only 3.3 x 24 x 32mm. It has 1 platter, has a rotation speed of 3600RPM, uses 3V and weights less than 10g.

The Toshiba's 0.85-inch HDD is the first drive to provide multi-gigabyte storage capacity in a sub-one-inch form factor, enabling unprecedented capacity for next-generation mobile devices, including mobile phones, digital audio players, PDAs, digital still cameras, camcorders and external storage devices.

"Imation's Micro Hard Drive would not be possible without the inclusion of Toshiba's 0.85-inch HDD, which was selected for its high capacity, compact size and durability," said James Ellis, general manager, global product strategy, Imation. "We understand the evolving needs of today's mobile users, and have designed a product that accommodates their unique needs and appetite for storage. We are proud of this accomplishment and are excited to deliver the industry's first product featuring Toshiba's 0.85-inch HDD."

With a current capacity of 2GB and 4GB planned for mid-year, Toshiba's 0.85-inch drive delivers enhanced storage to smaller, lighter, more efficient consumer products. Toshiba is also pioneering Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR), and will incorporate this technology to reach capacities of 6GB to 8GB on the 0.85-inch HDD by 2006.

The Micro Hard Drive from Imation will be available by mid-July.