Western Digital debuts 15.3 GB per-platter disk

If size is important to you, you probably want to look at Western Digital's latest offering, the Caviar Enhanced IDE 15.3 GB per-platter, 5400 RPM hard drive family, aimed at what the company refers to as "capacity-driven consumers". Although WD is occasionally accused of having a relaxed attitude to quality control, the aggressive pricing of the new disks looks set to attract the capacity-driven punter. Offered in capacities ranging from a rather miserly 7.5 GB to a stonking 45.0 GB, estimated retail pricing for the 45.0 GB unit is a tempting $299. Currently in qualification testing with PC manufacturers worldwide, the drives are scheduled for launch to the distribution and retail channels this month and feature a 9.5 ms access seek time, a 2 MB buffer and an Ultra ATA/66 interface. WD's Sound Logic acoustics technology, recently introduced on its 10.2 GB per platter, 7200 RPM desktop hard drive products, will also be available on the new range, making them quiet enough for both home and business environments, says the company. ®