What is a CF Microdrive?
A CompactFlask (CF) Microdrive is the brand name of a 1-inch, hard disk drive offered by IBM and Hitachi Global Systems. CF Microdrives are designed to fit inside of CompactFlash (CF) slots. Although companies other than IBM and Hatachi have produced similar hard disk drives, these devices are not actually CF Microdrives.
History
The CF Microdrive was introduced to the American public back in 1999. Hitachi Global Systems bought IBM's hard drive division in 2003, and began producing the CF Microdrives.
Size
CF Microdrives are miniature hard disks that use one platter the size of a quarter. CF Microdrives can hold up to 8 gigabytes (GBs), and weigh under 1/2 ounce.
Advantages
The small size of a CF Microdrive allows it to rev up to its full speed in about one-half of a second. The hard drive stops running when it's not being used, which helps to conserve power in hand-held electronic devices.
Disadvantages
CF Microdrives are more sensitive to radical temperature changes and physical jolts than other memory devices. CF Microdrives are also much slower than the newer, high-end CompactFlash cards.
Applications
CF Microdrives have been used in a variety of popular consumer electronics, including personal digital assistants (PDAs) and mp3 players. CF Microdrives are also being included in a growing number of digital cameras, laptops and hand-held PCs.
Tags: Global Systems, hard disk, hard drive, Hitachi Global, Hitachi Global Systems, Microdrives also