Future of 1.8" *IDE* drives?

[domi]

There are two main types of 1.8" drives: 1) drives with an IDE interface (same as in 2.5" drives) and 2) drives with a ZIF interface (several slightly different implementations).

1.8" IDE drives are used in the X40/X41 and more or less nowhere else (OK, Rio Karma). Hitachi is the only company making them.

1.8" ZIF drives are used in a wide range of devices: MP3 players (iPod etc.), external HDD (Lacie) and most ultraportable laptops that use 1.8" drives (the X40/X41 being a notable exception). Several manufacturers make them, including Toshiba and Hitachi.

Given the above, how likely do you think it is future iterations of the X4* (whether they are called X42, X60 or whatever) will include ZIF drives?

I'm considering the purchase of an X41, but the last thing I want is to be stuck with a HDD that is in effect a dead-end. I understand Toshiba already has 80 GB 1.8" drives (ZIF, obviously), will Hitachi match the size with an IDE version?

Thanks, Dominique

[tvi55]

I'm considering the purchase of an X41, but the last thing I want is to be stuck with a HDD that is in effect a dead-end. I understand Toshiba already has 80 GB 1.8" drives (ZIF, obviously), will Hitachi match the size with an IDE version?

What do you mean with "stuck"? If you think that you ever need to replace the current drive with a larger one, then you would be stuck indeed. But if you believe that the current disk size would be sufficient for the expected life time of such a laptop, I would not care too much about the technology used. So did I recently with the purchase of a X41 with a 60 GB drive, which will be fully sufficient for my needs in the next years, because it is a „supplement“ to my desktop PC only, which I will use primarily "on the road".

[gerdh]

Domi has a point though.

I got an X41T just a week ago, I could not resist the Tablet features and size. It's a great device but the HDD performance is really dragging... the mouse pointer hangs for moments during boot and often while the HDD is busy.

The first thing I am looking forward to is a better HDD and choices from various vendors would be great.

Up until now, the BIG plus of IBM notebooks has been the "upgradebility". Over the years, memory and HDD space and performance (4k2 -> 5k4 ->7k rpm) got less and less expensive and one could easily get a few more years of good performance out of one's notebook.

Closed systems, like this one and the T43's with BIOS lock on third party HDD's call for the end of my long and true Thinkpad preference.

Gerd

[em500]

There are two main types of 1.8" drives: 1) drives with an IDE interface (same as in 2.5" drives) and 2) drives with a ZIF interface (several slightly different implementations).

[snip]

I'm considering the purchase of an X41, but the last thing I want is to be stuck with a HDD that is in effect a dead-end. I understand Toshiba already has 80 GB 1.8" drives (ZIF, obviously), will Hitachi match the size with an IDE version?

This is not correct, see my previous post on the subject. Short version: only 2 manufacturers of 1.8" drives, not several, Toshiba, and Hitachi. Hitachi has IDE and ZIF connectors, Toshiba uses a completely different connector which is certainly not ZIF. Your essential point is correct though, Hitachi does not seem very commited to their IDE line, which is the only thing you can use in the X4* series..

[domi]

This is not correct, see my previous post on the subject. Short version: only 2 manufacturers of 1.8" drives, not several, Toshiba, and Hitachi. Hitachi has IDE and ZIF connectors, Toshiba uses a completely different connector which is certainly not ZIF. Your essential point is correct though, Hitachi does not seem very commited to their IDE line, which is the only thing you can use in the X4* series.

OK, so there are 2 manufacturers (Toshiba and Hitachi) of 1.8" drives, who make 3 incompatible types of drives (4 if we include Toshiba's PCMCIA drives): Hitachi IDE (found in the X40/41 and Rio Karma), Hitachi ZIF (found in ...?) and Toshiba ?? (found in Dell X1, Toshiba Portégé, iPod etc.). Toshiba is making 80 GB drives (MK8007GAH). Do you think Hitachi will release a 80 GB drive? Will they continue to keep two different designs (does it make any sense?)? Do you see Lenovo moving to the Toshiba design (more widely spread, higher capacity) for their next ultralight X (X42/X60)?

[gst]

as soon as they move to SATA they'll drop the IDE interface anyway. and they _will_ move to SATA - the X41 already includes a SATA chip, but a PATA disk which is connected via a bridge. the Z series also includes a SATA disk.

until the 1.8" disks are widespread enough SATA is also common - i don't see any future for 1.8" PATA disks.

[domi]

OK, looks like I'll be waiting for the X42/X60, then! And there's nothing wrong with my current X31 anyway, so it's not like I'm in a hurry.

Is there a chance we see an interface standard emerge for 1.8" drives, the way there has been for 2.5" drives? And what is preventing Fujitsu/Samsung/Seagate/WD from entering the 1.8" drive market? Technology? Market size?

[devilsrejection]

with perpendicular drives hitting the market i predict we will start seeing 1 inch drives my friend with capactities we have now. things always get better the question is when.

[gst]

And what is preventing Fujitsu/Samsung/Seagate/WD from entering the 1.8" drive market? Technology? Market size?

For a long and detailed answer to this question read "the innovator's dilemma" by "clayton m. christensen". there is an example chapter available at http://www.businessweek.com/chapter/christensen.htm.

/gst

[domi]

Thanks, gst, highly instructive!