Toshiba's 1.8-inch 160GB disk hits 5400RPM for netbooks

Who makes a 160GB, 1.8-inch SATA disk spinning at 5400RPM? Nobody, until today. Toshiba just announced the industry's largest-capacity / fastest 160GB MK1617GSG disk for ultra-portables and netbook-class machines. While others have hit the magical 160GB mark in an 8-mm thick form factor, this is the first 1.8-inch SATA to reach 5400RPM. Oh, and because you're about to ask: no, it's too chubby for an iPod classic (where that speed wouldn't likely be noticed) or ultra-thin laptop like the MacBook Air or Envy 133. Thanks for asking though.

[Bender Bending Rodriguez @ Jun 11th 2008 2:16AM]

Thomas Ricker wrote, "Oh, and because you're about to ask: no, it's too chubby for an iPod classic (where that speed wouldn't likely be noticed) or ultra-thin laptop like the MacBook Air or Envy 133. Thanks for asking though."

You called that one. That is the first thing I thought of when reading the title.

[OneLove @ Jun 11th 2008 10:55AM]

"NETBOOK" !!!!

[fh @ Jun 11th 2008 2:18AM]

Here's hoping it hits the Lenovo U110.

[Harrison @ Jun 11th 2008 2:19AM]

Me too Bender, too bad these drives are SATA and not PATA like the Air. I would have considered it.

[Harrison @ Jun 11th 2008 2:21AM]

Let me correct my last misled comment, maybe I should read more before getting ahead of myself. SCREW MACBOOK AIR'S DRAWBACKS

[rawhead @ Jun 11th 2008 2:23AM]

" it's too chubby for an iPod classic . . . or ultra-thin laptop like the MacBook Air or Envy 133."


Um, so, basically, it's useless? ;-)

[Jimmy @ Jun 11th 2008 3:14AM]

i guess so.

[ccox @ Jun 11th 2008 10:44AM]

Useless unless you're not afraid of Duct Tape.

Duct Tape makes many impossible things possible.
(makes them sorta ugly too)

[cellulitis @ Jun 11th 2008 3:18AM]

single or dual platter?

[Jimmy @ Jun 11th 2008 3:13AM]

So let me get this straight, the intended market for 1.8" drives is media players like the ipod classic and ultra-thin lappies like the 133 and the Air. This 1.8" drive, however, does not fit. So what exactly is one supposed to do with it? No, not netbooks, they have either small amounts of flash (eee) or cheap 2.5'" drives (mini-note). Where is Toshiba expecting to sell this drive?

[wilcoholic @ Jun 11th 2008 5:30AM]

Exactly it doesnt fit most mp3 players or ultraportable notebooks. I dont get that either.

Most require a ZIF connection or some other weird connection.

[fischju @ Jun 11th 2008 5:04PM]

No for iPod Classic. Yes for the good media players - The Archos 6 series and Cowon's flagship model.

[Nathan @ Jun 11th 2008 3:26AM]

I would buy a MacBook Air tomorrow if this drive were in it. Common Steve, pull some strings and get this drive squished in there!!

[brando_commando @ Jun 11th 2008 7:07AM]

i'm just here, hanging out with all you cool people, listening to your problems man.

[Cyque @ Jun 11th 2008 7:26AM]

Is it small enough to be an ExpressCard or something? I self backing up MackBook Pro is a nice idea and it isn't like those ExpressCard slots are doing much else right now.

[brando_commando @ Jun 11th 2008 7:31AM]

LoL a "Mack"book pro! classic.

[InTheCatBoxAgain @ Jun 11th 2008 8:18AM]

Cyque, actually, that's a great idea!

You then could have an on-board backup device to use with Time Machine without having to carry around an external drive.

[itlnstln @ Jun 11th 2008 8:24AM]

"MackBook?" Is that like for pimps, or something?

[fh @ Jun 11th 2008 8:45AM]

MBP uses ExpressCard 34 (34mm wide), and this hdd is 54mm wide. Moreover, ExpressCard 34/54 are only 5mm thick.

And also, did anyone even click on the link? (I'm looking at you, Thomas Ricker)
Model no.: MK1617GSG
Capacity: 160GB
Interface: SATA 1.5Gb/s
Rotational speed: 5,400 rpm
External dimensions: 54.0 mm (W) x 78.5 mm (L) x 8.0 mm (H)

Lo and behold, the it IS only 8mm thick. Which means it's perfectly suited for ultra portable laptops. The only reason it wouldn't work in certain products would be because of an incompatible connector interface (traditional SATA instead of LIF), but one can be easily replaced for the other, just not through OEM.

[Sirius @ Jun 11th 2008 7:46AM]

Yay batteries are finally included!

[Jash Sayani @ Jun 11th 2008 7:55AM]

How much does it weigh ?
And whats the cost of it.. (USD)..?

I want to make an external HD by getting a case for it...

[Conor Maher @ Jun 11th 2008 10:10AM]

That battery wont fit in there!

[Ninjakamster (PS360 FTW!) @ Jun 11th 2008 11:19AM]

Several ultraportable notebooks can take this drive (eg. Sony Vaio TZ, Lenovo Ideapad U110 for example).

The Macbook Air for example takes 1.8" drives but only 5mm drives, which is why its stuck at 80gb HDDs when the TZ has had 100 and 120gb HDDs which currently are only at 8mm.


I have the Vaio TZ myself and would LOVE this drive in there, finally a 1.8" 5400rpm drive, I'm so tired of the 4200rpm in mine, yay!!!!

[Valgas @ Jun 11th 2008 12:49PM]

Cowon? Are you paying attention?

[rosedoggydog @ Jun 11th 2008 1:44PM]

Is it to thick for a 30gb Creative Zen Vision:M? That's what I want to know.

[Mr. B @ Jun 11th 2008 2:44PM]

A PATA version would be nice for older notebooks and mp3 players

[shfawaz @ Jun 11th 2008 9:08PM]

Anyone care to venture a guess if this will fit an Thinkpad X300from Lenovo?