Hewlett Packard Develops A Rugged 1.3" Hard Disk Drive

Hewlett-Packard has introduced the world's first 1.3" hard disk drive, a device the size of a small matchbox. The initial version of what HP is calling the "Kittyhawk Personal Storage Module" (PSM) has a formatted capacity of 21.4 MB, equivalent to 14,389 typed pages. HP hopes to begin shipping the Kittyhawk to OEM clients in August (OEMs use HP and other manufacturers parts to make their computers).

By Richard Hall

 Although the Kittyhawk looks like a conventional hard disk, its small size and durability make it an attractive alternative to the more expensive solid-state technology. Those of you who have purchased RAM cards realize that solid-state memory technology is expensive -- approximately five times more expensive than the rotating disk technology used in the HP Kittyhawk PSM. Twenty MBs of solid-state memory currently has a minimum OEM price of about $1,000, or $50 per MB. The HP Kittyhawk PSM offers an initial OEM cost of about $12 per MB. OEM clients will be able to purchase the initial version of the Kittyhawk in quantity for around $250 per drive.

 The HP Kittyhawk PSM can be used in many applications, including palmtop, pen-based and subnotebook computers; printers, fax machines; medical equipment; and communications and digital-imaging devices. It also can be used in consumer products such as cartridges for video-game machines and in mobile products such as on-board voice/imaging mail for cellular phones and office products like digital copiers.

Development

Potential Applications

Used in Future 95LXs?

CompuServe Section for Kittyhawk Drive

SkyStream Receiver