Most of us who've paid even a few passing glances to the removable storage arena know what an IBM MicroDrive is. With it's massive 1GB storage ability, and CompactFlash type II standard, it's known for providing bang-for-buck performance in items ranging from Digital Cameras to Pocket PC's.

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, the company resulting from a merger between IBM Storage Tech and Hitachi Storage, has managed to pack a whopping 4GB into their version using new ultra-mini technology. Performance is also stated to have been increased as much as 50 percent. Wow!

The new drive is expected to use ultra-miniaturized components including a new R/W head, called the femto slider head, which is half the size of its predecessor and results in a 40 percent decrease in the height at which the head travels above the disk platter.

 

The 4GB Microdrive is designed to the CompactFlash Type II industry standard and is targeted at handheld devices and other consumer electronic devices. Already, Hewlett-Packard and Eastman-Kodak are evaluating the device for integration into their products.