CES 2008: Toshiba launches two HDDs

Launches include 320GB HDD

9 January 2008 11:00 GMT / By Katie Scott

Toshiba has entered the external HDD market with a 1.8-inch device and also launched what it claims is the industry's highest capacity 2.5-inch external HDD at 320GB.

The 1.8-inch External HDD uses USB 2.0 technology and comes in 60GB, 80GB and 120GB capacities.

Because the 1.8-inch HDD is designed for mobility, Toshiba plans to include encryption and backup software with its 1.8-inch line to protect data should the HDD ever be lost or stolen.

The product also will include a USB cable and will be bus-powered for plug-and-play operation.

The second launch is the 2.5-inch External HDD with 320GB of memory.

It can store up to either 91,000 digital photos, 84,000 MP3 music files, 142 hours of DVD videos or 37 hours of high-definition videos.

The 2.5-inch external HDD line inherits Toshiba's click-free, switch-free and button-free backup system, using NTI Shadow software.

All of the new launches feature a revamped design and so as "sleekier" than previous models.

The new models feature a "stylistic design in a sleek finish, along with a splash of color available in Carbon Grey, Hot Rod Red and Gecko Green".

In addition, the redesigned 2.5-inch external models offer a nearly 20% smaller footprint than the previous line.

Toshiba’s new 1.8-inch external HDDs will be available this spring, while the 2.5-inch 320GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive is available now.

The 320GB 2.5-inch external HDD is $199.99, while there is no price at yet for the 1.8-inch devices.