TDK’s most recent roadmap shows some new developments. The most important thing I found in this presentation was a roadmap for the next generation of HDD read/write heads.
Drive manufacturers are currently testing heads for 320 and 375 GB platters meant for 2.5″ drives. Models with two platters and 640GB capacity have already been announced; we have yet to see the first 750GB 2.5″ drive announced, but judging from TDK’s roadmap we won’t have to wait too long for those. Production of these heads is expected to ramp up later this year.
On the 3.5″ drive front, the current generation of 500GB platters is about to be replaced by 640GB models. Production of these is expected to start in March, with mass production starting in November. There usually is a slight delay between head production and the actual availability of the drives using them, but we should still see the first drives using these this year. A four-platter 3.5″ drive using these 640GB platters will result in a 2.5TB drive; a five-platter configuration will enable 3.2TB models.
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