Seagate Mobile HDD 2 TB (SMR)

[Elixer]

Is this supposed to be an answer for 2TB SSDs that are out now?

How does this kind of drive make sense to consumers, where it has atrocious write performance because of the SMR tech?

Laptop drives are already slow...this isn't going to help change that at all, and in fact, make it worse.

Their press release states

An Amazing Value and True Capacity Kick for Laptops and Mobile Devices

Huge 1TB and 2TB capacities in a thin 7mm lightweight design, the Seagate® Mobile HDD stores up to 200,000 photos, 250,000 songs or 124 hours of high definition video.1 The Mobile HDD has some of the most advanced features and one of the best $/TB and $/mm available. All backed by a 2-year limited warranty.

Ideal for:

Traditional laptops
Convertible and detachable storage
Slim consumer electronics devices
Helping to protect your sensitive data

So, yes, it is clearly being pushed to the consumer space.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I thought that they already had non-SMR 2TB HDDs?

 

[Elixer]

I thought that they already had non-SMR 2TB HDDs?

I think those were bigger than 7mm, but yeah, they had the capacity before.

 

[cbn]

I think those were bigger than 7mm, but yeah, they had the capacity before.

Yep, they are thicker. For example the one below has three 667GB platters (for 2TB) in a 9.5mm thick 2.5" drive.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA8HW32J1118&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=1

 

[Red Squirrel]

That seems kinda odd I can't see why someone would want a 2TB SMR drive. For a laptop it does not even make sense to use a regular HDD anymore. SSD is way to go.

 

[Soulkeeper]

It's so laptop makers can save $25 per laptop sold to consumers that don't know/care.

 

[fleshconsumed]

Money grab? As has been pointed out Samsung has been making 2TB 9.5mm drive for a long time now. Laptop hard drives are already slow, a SMR drive is going to be painfully slow. There is no reason to make SMR drive of the same capacity aside from saving couple bucks by having 2 platters instead of 3.