Toshiba develops nickel-sized HD

[StormBringer]

When I refered to all-in-one devices, I thought it was implied that it would be a product that would work together in a desirable way, not something merely "tolerable" to use. I am not the kind of person who need the latest gadget, but I would like to someday have something that could combine some of my current devices, though it would have to be something that could function properly.
I'm sure there will be a few less than desirable versions of these all-in-ones before I toss my other devices for one of them.
The drives mentioned in the topic of this thread is a step in that direction, yes, I would like to have solid state storage, and I'd like to have all my devices in one, but I also know that it takes steps to get there, some of them not so great, others seemingly backward. I also know that with the rate of tech advancements, this will possibly be in the very near future(including all the crappy versions and backward momentum that may happen along the way)

For now, it seems these drives are the next step, if they don't work out(for the reasons we all mentioned) then the next logical step would seem to be moving to solid state storage devices.

 

[poertner_1274]

Personally I hope it moves to solid state drives, simply because of the non moving parts. That is always a scary thing when it comes to data and the possibility of failure. I had a guy move a desktop the other day at work and didn't really do that much to it and the HDD head crashed. It's the simple stuff like that, now I'm totally aware that it probably got jarred and they aren't meant for that, but I'm just saying.

 

[tripleione]

Just imagine what can be accomplished once parts like these can be duplicated on modern PCs. More and more devices can be loaded very easily into any case and easily provide space for expansion, even in the smallest of work areas.

However, I'm also wondering about potential heat issues with parts like these. Our current hard drive produce quite a good deal of heat, but due to size they are easily cooled by large fans. However, with drive as small as nickels, they will undoubtedly become harder to cool (much like how it is now harder to cool the die of a CPU because of less surface area).

I guess it's a challenge the industry will have to face when it gets there, though.

 

[agrav8r]

Originally posted by tripleione
Just imagine what can be accomplished once parts like these can be duplicated on modern PCs. More and more devices can be loaded very easily into any case and easily provide space for expansion, even in the smallest of work areas.

However, I'm also wondering about potential heat issues with parts like these. Our current hard drive produce quite a good deal of heat, but due to size they are easily cooled by large fans. However, with drive as small as nickels, they will undoubtedly become harder to cool (much like how it is now harder to cool the die of a CPU because of less surface area).

I guess it's a challenge the industry will have to face when it gets there, though.

Why do you say that?
smaller parts = less energy use, motion, and heat build up. This would also allow 1 smaller heat sink to do the same job that a large number of sinks and fans do in the large systems.
If it is a flip phone they will probably place the airflow system at the hinge area of the phone and just have a few noiseless sinks in place to cool it. Fan noise on a phone would probably garble any communiques anyway.

 

[agrav8r]

Originally posted by StormBringer
When I refered to all-in-one devices, I thought it was implied that it would be a product that would work together in a desirable way, not something merely "tolerable" to use. I am not the kind of person who need the latest gadget, but I would like to someday have something that could combine some of my current devices, though it would have to be something that could function properly.
I'm sure there will be a few less than desirable versions of these all-in-ones before I toss my other devices for one of them.
The drives mentioned in the topic of this thread is a step in that direction, yes, I would like to have solid state storage, and I'd like to have all my devices in one, but I also know that it takes steps to get there, some of them not so great, others seemingly backward. I also know that with the rate of tech advancements, this will possibly be in the very near future(including all the crappy versions and backward momentum that may happen along the way)

For now, it seems these drives are the next step, if they don't work out(for the reasons we all mentioned) then the next logical step would seem to be moving to solid state storage devices.

Sorry I misunderstood.
I typically deal in the here and now and don't usually talk about mystical devices that will be developed by the magical crop fairies in the distant future. Until i see one that works, or read an article about the building of one in say 6 months or so, I assume it is going to be status quo all the way. I typically make the same assumptions about posters threads, unless they specifically state that they believe in pixies , dwarf and unicorns. Then i pat them on their heads and say " where is our flying car?" ( circa 1950's)

 

[XtR-X]

This is insane. Now imagine the future having really large capacity very small hard drives in your pocket. Take the computer with you as you go, then plug it in!

 

[poertner_1274]

But what is the point in just thinking in what is currently going on? Isn't it somewhat 'fun' in a way to think about what might come in the future? If you soimply live in the present then I feel sorry for you, because what do you have to look forward to? At least this way you can try to imagine things and maybe get a better idea fo what is to come in the future of technology.

 

[StormBringer]

Very good point Poert. Its good to keep an eye on the horizon to see what might lie ahead, especially when you rely on it and have to stay on top of the latest developments for your livelyhood. Besides, looking ahead is what fuels innovation.


I don't see what is so "mystical" about the things I mentioned. I was trying to present a logical and realistic use and evolution for this product and its part in helping to combine devices to eliminate clutter. If you think its not realistic, or feel that its the stuff of fairytales, thats your opinion. I stand behind my view on the topic.

 

[agrav8r]

Originally posted by poertner_1274
But what is the point in just thinking in what is currently going on? Isn't it somewhat 'fun' in a way to think about what might come in the future? If you soimply live in the present then I feel sorry for you, because what do you have to look forward to? At least this way you can try to imagine things and maybe get a better idea fo what is to come in the future of technology.

You're right. i should be fanticizing about my voice activated vitual reality juicer/ plunger/ pda. If i save up i can get the urinal cake attachment. What was i thinking. I have lead such a sad sad life, but you have shown me the way. i will know only worry about the future, as impossible as it may seem.
:angel:

The idea is to discuss news and how the articles relates to us in our world and the not so distant future. i have no problems with that ,but if you desire to speak of hypotheticals in a hundred or so years from now, pardon me if i poke a little fun. If we are to go that far, why are we not discussing, oh i don't know, Star Trek tri-corders? or perhaps you would like a discourse on light based transmissions and the impact on the endangered prarie dog?

Again i get off subject

 

[poertner_1274]

I don't see where I even mentioned hundreds of years from now?!?!? I simply said that the future is where the technology is, not the present. And I don't think it is that far fetched to think about multifuntion devices, realistic ones by all means. We aren't talking about the same BS you are.
And don't get me wrong, I thought we were discussing the topic, and where the future was heading, by all means NEAR future. There is no way anyone can predict what will happen hundreds of years from now, only across the close horizon. And just because I am looking ahead trying to create a little more debate and thoughts among the rest of us. But aparently that isn't what I'm supposed to do.....I'm sorry to the rest of you

 

[SNGX1275]

Originally posted by agrav8r
You're right. i should be fanticizing about my voice activated vitual reality juicer/ plunger/ pda. If i save up i can get the urinal cake attachment. What was i thinking. I have lead such a sad sad life, but you have shown me the way. i will know only worry about the future, as impossible as it may seem.
:angel:

The idea is to discuss news and how the articles relates to us in our world and the not so distant future. i have no problems with that ,but if you desire to speak of hypotheticals in a hundred or so years from now, pardon me if i poke a little fun. If we are to go that far, why are we not discussing, oh i don't know, Star Trek tri-corders? or perhaps you would like a discourse on light based transmissions and the impact on the endangered prarie dog?

Again i get off subject

I think you are a bit out of line here, I re-read all of Stormbringer's posts in this thread, and all he mentioned were that this could make hand-helds more desirable, and making them more shock proof. Then out of no where you started talking about toilet paper, what caused that? You also then continued to expand your outrageous list of non tech related items in subsequent posts, again for no apparent reason.
I think pretty much the point he and I made is how this can help combine existing technologies, espically if they can shockproof the drives.

 

[agrav8r]

Originally posted by SNGX1275
I think you are a bit out of line here, I re-read all of Stormbringer's posts in this thread, and all he mentioned were that this could make hand-helds more desirable, and making them more shock proof. Then out of no where you started talking about toilet paper, what caused that? You also then continued to expand your outrageous list of non tech related items in subsequent posts, again for no apparent reason.
I think pretty much the point he and I made is how this can help combine existing technologies, espically if they can shockproof the drives.

I must have been mistaken, did he not post this
"Yes this could be just what is needed in order to bring everything together as we were discussing in this thread

This should really make handheld's much more desirable. Right now, having to use flash memory for storage is kind of a hassle and a bit expensive, especially if you use a lot of it. I can see things really taking off within the next year as result of this(or at least this making a huge contribution to it)"

which if going to the thread that was linked lead to this

"Poert, I think the size isn't really an issue, as many people use a headset for their phones now anyway. I'd just assume the "all in one" device would have a phone built in, but have it so you had to use the headset to use it. You sacrifice the convenience of a small phone, but gain the screen size, and more room for added features."
and also this
"size isn't a big issue for me, as I already carry a handheld and a phone with me most of the time, so dropping the phone and being left with one device that is the size of the handheld would be just fine with me. I would much rather have the larger screen than the smaller device."

By linking this thread to the previous the arguement was open to talk about the myriad of devices that could be attached to devices of this nature. Had the thread remained on topic of HDD only, I would never mentioned anything about PDA/ tooth brushes/xylophones .
i am sorry that you can't follow links, I will attempt to post a large sign infront of any post i have that may not be obvouis to most, to prevent future misunderstandings.
If that is not enough, i will gladly go through each step of logic of A=B B=C C=D and therefore A=D instead of just throwing D out there. You will need to let me know if that is required however, as i will not assume it.

 

[agrav8r]

Originally posted by poertner_1274
I don't see where I even mentioned hundreds of years from now?!?!? I simply said that the future is where the technology is, not the present. And I don't think it is that far fetched to think about multifuntion devices, realistic ones by all means. We aren't talking about the same BS you are.
And don't get me wrong, I thought we were discussing the topic, and where the future was heading, by all means NEAR future. There is no way anyone can predict what will happen hundreds of years from now, only across the close horizon. And just because I am looking ahead trying to create a little more debate and thoughts among the rest of us. But aparently that isn't what I'm supposed to do.....I'm sorry to the rest of you

While I will agree that your post never mentioned 100years (exageration was for humor only) it might have done just that. All my posts have (minus the humor) have been about how multiple devices on one item currently and, as far as i can see, the near future (read 6 months) are functionally ill designed. 1, 5 ,and 10 years in technology fields are similar to dog years and you can't even fathom what is around the corner.
I believe we have the ablity to design a wonderful, useful and practical all in one device. we have the technology. what we don't have are companies that care. It would require engineering it from the view of functionality and not cost and profitablity. This is the same reason we do not have flying cars. It is possible, but the system changes, designs, and money would not ensure a immediate profit. Profit is everything, and being the cynic that I am, I attempt to point it out with humor. Maybe understanding this would make my points a little clearer on the reread. or not. At any rate, adding a hard drive that could break is not a step to multiple items on one device, but a bling for the technophiles and name recognition. Ideally blue light mini-Cds could store the same amount of data and be shock proof, but that does sound a cool as a nickel sized hard drive.:blackeye:

 

[Rick]

Whoa.. You guys just turned an interesting discussion into a blood bath.

Chill out and spread some holiday cheer, guys!

 

[agrav8r]

Originally posted by Rick
Whoa.. You guys just turned an interesting discussion into a blood bath.

Chill out and spread some holiday cheer, guys!

http://www.funkypages.com/evilsanta/index.php

 

[Rick]

Originally posted by SNGX1275
I think you are a bit out of line here, I re-read all of Stormbringer's posts in this thread, and all he mentioned were that this could make hand-helds more desirable, and making them more shock proof. Then out of no where you started talking about toilet paper, what caused that? You also then continued to expand your outrageous list of non tech related items in subsequent posts, again for no apparent reason.
I think pretty much the point he and I made is how this can help combine existing technologies, espically if they can shockproof the drives.

Agreed. Storm has had a very good point all the while.

Not sure I follow the "other guys" though.

 

[poertner_1274]

Back to the topic on hand with the worlds smallest hard drive....

I still think it will require quite a bit more work than what has been put into it already, assuming they have dealt with the shock factor. This thing is going to be a great advance, but I still think that solid state drives are the choice for the future, especially if it is going to be used in a device that gets moved around a lot.