NEC's magnetic flip flop cannot be worn, won't lose data when powered down

Let's just get this out of the way: NEC Electronics' magnetic flip flop isn't at all what you think it is. Well, if you're thinking that you can rock these on your soles in the summertime, anyway. Rather, the nonvolatile magnetic flip flop demonstration proves that handhelds of the future could eventually be made to boot up faster and retain data even when completely powered off. The secret here is the ability for these system-on-chips to survive on zero power when in a standby state, enabling them to draw less energy in the devices they're in. Better still, the accompanying MRAM also doesn't require power, and the "unlimited write endurance" should theoretically mean that you can use your future handheld for practically ever. Sweet -- 'cause you'd totally do that if given the chance.

[Via Physorg]

[From My Cube @ Jan 10th 2009 9:00AM]

100% chance she drops it in the toilette

[Kurt Nance @ Jan 10th 2009 9:14AM]

LOL! You got it! seriously sweet though.

[STINK @ Jan 10th 2009 11:23AM]

I foresee a new spy film with this being the media everyone's after.

Crime lord: "I want that FLIP-FLOP back!"

[tekdroid @ Jan 10th 2009 10:16PM]

unlimited write endurance...
non-volatile...

*drool*

[reldred @ Jan 10th 2009 11:48PM]

Sooo a flip-flop constructed like a relay?

Sigh, all well and good NEC, but we have enough trouble replacing line-cards on your PBX's because of relays sticking and refusing to open up again.

[Wwhat @ Jan 11th 2009 9:28AM]

"you can use your future handheld for practically ever" (*1)


1. Does not apply to products of a certain fruity company with non-exchangeable batteries.

[loosely_coupled @ Jan 12th 2009 2:08AM]

While the technology is awesome and has many benefits, is write endurance really an issue even with NAND flash? Especially on mobile devices where both the data being transferred around is quite low, and people tend to replace their devices quite often...