Storage: Toshiba Introduces Super-Slim 4.32GB 2.5-Inch Slim-Line Drive for Notebook Computer OEMs; The New Drive is the First to Bring 4GB Capacity in a Small, 8.45mm-high Form Factor

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, August 10, 1998

Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc., Disk Products Division (TAEC DPD) Monday introduced the MK4309MAT, a 4.32GB 2.5-inch super-slim hard disk drive.

This new drive brings industry-leading capacity coupled with Toshiba's hallmark reliability and quality to the growing ultra-portable and hand-held mobile computer market.

"Since the drive stands only 8.45mm tall, it is perfectly suited for integration into today's leading ultra-thin notebook computers," said Amy Lian, marketing director of hard disk drive products, TAEC DPD. "Toshiba is committed to delivering the right product to meet the exact needs of its customers. The new MK4309MAT hard disk drive provides the capacity and form factor needed by manufacturers of ultra-portables." Small Profile Drive Brings Large Capacity to Mobile Computers

To meet the growing demands of mobile computer manufacturers for increased performance, capacity and reliability in smaller and smaller form factor drives, Toshiba has designed the MK4309MAT using giant magnetoresistive head (GMR) technology. GMR technology gives this new drive a higher recording density, allowing it to store up to 4.32GB on only two disks. The drive offers high track density of 14,900 tracks per inch (TPI) and a high recording density of 241,000 bits per inch (BPI). Unsurpassed Performance

Toshiba did not sacrifice performance in its design of the industry's highest capacity in an 8.45mm-high form factor. The MK4309MAT features leading performance including a fast 13ms seek time and a 33Mbits/sec data transfer rate in Ultra DMA Mode-2.

A 4,200-rpm rotational speed and 512KB buffer further contribute to the drive's high performance specifications. The peak internal data rate of 110.3 Mbit/sec is further optimized by transfer rates of 16.6 MB/sec in PIO mode 4 and DMA mode 2. To meet the low-power demands of today's notebook computers, the new drive consumes a low 0.00020W/MB. Toshiba Renowned Reliability

Toshiba's new MK4309MAT hard disk drive was designed to meet Toshiba-renowned reliability specifications. The drive offers an industry-leading MTTF of 300,000 hours. To combat the effects of a dropped or shaken portable computer, the drive adheres to a high operating shock rating of 150G, and a non-operating shock rating of 500G. Slim Size for Integration into Smallest Mobile Computers

The MK4309MAT drive was designed specifically to meet the size and weight requirements of mobile computer manufacturers. The new drive measures 0.33 (h) x 2.75 (w) x 3.93 (d) inches (8.45mm (h) x 70mm (w) x 100mm (d)) and weighs only 3.35 oz (95g). Availability

Toshiba's new 4.32GB MK4309MAT drive is available now. The MK4309MAT drive rounds out Toshiba's product offering of 2.5-inch hard disk drives to give the company a full range of high-capacity drives targeted to the mobile computing marketplace. Toshiba's complete line of 2.5-inch drives range in capacities from 2.1GB to 6.4GB. About Toshiba

TAEC brings to market the industry's most comprehensive offering of components for the manufacturing of desktop and portable computers. As the North American manufacturing, sales and marketing arm of one of the world's largest suppliers of semiconductors, integrated circuits, storage devices and electronic components, TAEC's product offerings account for 40 percent of the total components in use in desktop and portable computers. This broad product offering positions TAEC as the ideal business partner for system manufacturers who want to consolidate suppliers without sacrificing quality and performance.

TAEC's products include industry-leading semiconductors, integrated circuits, hard disk drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD-ROM and DVD-RAM drives, color picture tubes, display monitor tubes, liquid crystal displays, medical tubes, rechargeable batteries, microwave components, laser diodes and optical transmission devices.

TAEC DPD is a recognizable technology and market leader with a well established reputation for delivering high performance, highly reliable 2.5-inch hard disk drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD-ROM drives and DVD-RAM drives. FMI: http://www.toshiba.com/taecdpd/.>

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