Toshiba MKxx39GSL 1.8-inch hard drives with LIF SATA connectors

Toshiba is doing a good job of helping us get ample storage space on tiny media players and now the company has introduced its latest microSATA-based 1.8-inch hard drive. The new MKxx39GSL series is available in capacities of 160GB, 200GB and 220GB models and offer low-insertion-force (LIF) SATA connectors, offering a 10 percent smaller footprint compared to standard 1.8-inch drives using microSATA connectors. These drives are also touted to surpass 2.5-inch drives in terms of vibration robustness, low power consumption and also operation noise. The drive also offers a useful 16MB buffer and only needs 0.35 Watts to operate when running in low power idle mode. The drive measures in at just 5x54x71mm and will be headed to product manufacturers next month, through pricing wasn’t mentioned just yet. Hopefully this means smaller and cheaper media players in the near future.