IBM Travelstar GNX Release-2/13/02
IBM helps mobile workers lose weight, gain strength
IBM brings advanced notebook performance to entry-level and mainstream users; extends 18 consecutive quarters of mobile hard disk drive leadership
San Jose, Calif., Feb. 13, 2002 -- IBM today introduced the new hard disk drive 'X' factor for notebook users: the Travelstar GNX -- 'X' for extra-fast, extra-smart, extra-lean. IBM is now extending its industry-leading 5400 RPM performance to the broad market of notebook users for greater speed in a slimmer and lighter notebook.
The 5400 RPM performance will provide end-users with noticeable improvements in start-up and data access time and in running data-rich applications such as graphics, spreadsheets or audio and video files. With the GNX, IBM brings three generations of high-performance mobile hard drive expertise to a smaller footprint, increasing performance by more than 25-percent. The 'X-factor' performance comes from five primary sources: higher RPM, increased data rate, advanced cache management software, larger cache size, and a faster hard disk drive microprocessor unit.
Performance at 5400 RPM was an IBM-exclusive, top-of-the-line feature for mobile power users -- which also required a thicker (12.5 mm) hard drive and, thus, heavier notebook. But growing trends in storage-intensive applications and the "need for speed" are driving mainstream and even entry-level users to look for a performance boost without adding bulk. The new Travelstar GNX offers users accelerated performance in a thinner (9.5 mm) hard disk drive. Traditionally, 9.5 mm hard drives offer performance at 4200 RPM and are used in the vast majority of notebooks on the market.
"IBM's deep-seated experience in the high-performance mobile hard drive market will give GNX customers extra confidence in using proven technology," said Bill Healy, vice president, marketing, IBM Storage Technology Division. "The GNX line broadens IBM's 5400 RPM portfolio to reach the complete audience of notebook users -- from entry-level to power users."
The Travelstar GNX comes as IBM is again named the mobile hard disk drive market leader for the quarter ending December 2001,* making it the eighteenth consecutive quarter for IBM leadership in this product area.
IBM will offer the Travelstar GNX at 20 and 40 gigabyte (GB) capacities. The GNX performance will also be offered on a version of IBM's enhanced-availability mobile drives for non-traditional applications such as blade servers. IBM continues to implement antiferromagnetically-coupled media, otherwise known as 'Pixie Dust," across the new Travelstar GNX line. The GNX will begin shipping to customers in April.
IBM will continue to offer 5400 RPM performance in the thicker 12.5 mm drive to maximize capacity. At 60 GB and 5400 RPM, IBM's Travelstar 60GH currently holds the record for top capacity and performance in a mobile drive.
Technical Specifications
Travelstar 40GNX
40/20 GB
9.5 mm in height
5,400 RPM
5.5 ms average latency
297 Mbits/sec media transfer rate
34 billion bits per square inch maximum areal density
2/1 glass disk platter(s)
4/2 GMR recording head(s)
800 Gs (1ms) nonoperating shock, 175 Gs (2 ms) operating shock
12 ms average seek time
ATA-5 100 MB/sec Ultra DMA mode-5 maximum interface transfer rate
109/109 grams in weight
2.4/2.4 Bels typical idle acoustics
3.1/3.1 Bels typical operating acoustics
* Source: IDC, TrendFocus and Dataquest
About IBM
IBM develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM Storage Technology Division offers customers worldwide the most comprehensive range of industry-leading storage products available today. These storage solutions are offered through IBM as well as a large network of IBM Business Partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
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