History (1989): IBM Still Number One in 3.5-Inch HDDs

No other company has done as well as IBM in the 3.5-inch full-height format, who announced at last Comdex/Spring its IBM 0661 Model 371 drive with a 320MBe formatted capacity on 8 platters.

3.5-inch drives are clearly becoming smaller to take up less space in laptop and notebook computers.

In the one-inch high form factor, JVC announces 80MB and NEC 130MB.

JVC, once more, stores 40MB in a 0.8-inch unit with a 0.65W power consumption.

The new 20 or 40MB Stubbies from Conner, are only 0.75-inch high, weigh 130z and cost $450 (20MB) and $550 (40MB) for OEMs, the first units should be delivered 1Q90.

The best result in 3.5-inch form factor comes from Areal Technology finally, with glass disks that still have to prove quality shipments. The BP-100 ($495 to OEMs) holds 100MB and the BP-200 ($795) 200MB on one single platter. The production of these two amazing products ought to begin in January and April 1 990, respectively.

This article is an abstract of news published on the former paper version of Computer Data Storage Newsletter on issue ≠22, published on November 1989.