When will laptop HDD performance improve?

[OneOfTheseDays]

THe one thing keeping me from purchasing a laptop to replace my desktop is the pathetically slow HDDs. They bog the entire system down, and it is noticeable even on my buddies 2.4ghz alienware laptop. Are there any new technologies on the horizon to increase notebook HDD speed? Possibly 7200 rpm drives, or is that out of the question?

 

[JZilla]

They should be on their way.

 

[bharok]

also, what about larger hardrives
the largest harddrive one can get that is 5400 rpm is 40 gb
and 80 gb @ 4200 rpm ( not avaliable on many laptops)
desktops are up to 250 gb so cant latptops at least have 120 gb

 

[Shivatron]

Originally posted by: bharok
also, what about larger hardrives
the largest harddrive one can get that is 5400 rpm is 40 gb
and 80 gb @ 4200 rpm ( not avaliable on many laptops)
desktops are up to 250 gb so cant latptops at least have 120 gb

You can get a Toshiba 60GB 5400r/min HDD. It's the MK6022GAX, and can be found here.

That being said, it's pretty expensive, IIRC.

 

[Jejunum]

laptop harddrive performance when we can beat fundamental laws of energy or atleast fix our own technology....higher speed = higher power consumption and heat generation = not friendly in laptops

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: Jejunum
laptop harddrive performance when we can beat fundamental laws of energy or atleast fix our own technology....higher speed = higher power consumption and heat generation = not friendly in laptops

ditto.

And theres not such a market for laptops that have very fast HD performance either. So not worth while for a comany to make a fast HD.

 

[jschuk]

Laptop drives will never be equal to desktop drives as long as they use moving parts. Laptop drives have to be able to withstand shocks and vibrations, power effecient, thermally effecient (they get crammed into small places), and are limited to two platters (with 9.5mm drives). That performance difference is only going to increase until they move to solid-state. I believe there will be a move to the new 1.8" drives as the desire for thinner, lighter, and more power effecient laptops is increasing.
Laptops are always a trade-off in performance for mobility. That is why I have a fast desktop with a large screen at home, and the laptop for when the family travels.