New hard drive could expand iPod capacity

A new hard drive from Toshiba may be used to increase the iPod's capacity to 100 gigabytes.

The 1.8-inch, 100 gigabyte hard drive is designed for mobile computing and is claimed to have the highest capacity available in the compact form.

Although Apple has refused to comment, it has been reported that the device could increase iPod capacity from holding 20,000 songs to holding 25,000 songs.

Apple currently uses Toshiba drives in its higher-end iPods and has in the past been the first to pick up the latest models from the group.

The drive is around the same size as a PC card and is commonly used in music players such as the iPod and in compact laptops.

It has been reported by Computerworld that Toshiba will begin to supply the drives to companies in January 2007, to be integrated into their products.

The drive will be showcased at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas from January 8th to 11th.

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