2.5" Format Hard Drives - Compact And Precision-Built
They are smaller than a PDA and bigger than a stack of credit cards. The hard disks fitted to today's laptops have capacities between 10 and 60 GB. Most of the larger capacity models are 12.5 rather than 9.5 mm in height - a tribute to the hard disk manufacturers and, at the same time, a convincing argument in favor of ultra light laptops.
Some of the newest generation of premium drives from Toshiba and IBM are available with a 5,400 rpm spin speed rather than the usual 4,200 rpm. "And about time," we can imagine you saying. Nevertheless, high spin speeds consume more power and produce more heat - two highly undesirable characteristics in a laptop.
Although currently working hard to produce 5,400 rpm models, Fujitsu has so far stayed with 4,200 rpm. Like everyone else, it has to supply what the market wants - and keep up with the competition. There are, of course, other applications for 2.5" hard disks apart from the laptop market.
You have to look very closely at these new drives to see any difference between them and more conventional models. But all becomes clear as soon as you see the interface and the model sticker. Yes, this is one of the first Serial ATA models.
