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Technology Stocks : Disk Drive Sector Discussion Forum -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Z Analyzer who wrote (7522)	12/12/1999 4:15:00 PM
From: Mark Madden	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9256

"I assume that storing extensive quantities of HDTV full motion video takes us right up to the paramagnetic limit" True, but I think we are seeing the industry diversifying. Perhaps 6 years ago the typical disk drive purchaser needed more storage to hold the more files and records that were created on the computer or transferred to the computer on floppy disks. Four years ago we needed storage to hold the huge programs of Windows, Office and many specialty programs. Two years ago the Internet was building storage demand but the demand stopped when we hit the 56K modem limitation. Today we will need storage to hold information flow from the wide pipelines of the Internet. However, it appears for the first time, storage will be needed outside the computer. The technological advances have lifted disk drive utility into other major appliances. IMO the expanding market for drives has created demand in many capacity categories. Some will be interested in huge capacities needed for HDTV. Some will want minimum capacity and cost for schoolwork. Many in between will want varying amounts of capacity to meet their personal requirements. 100% growth in areal density for two years should put us at about 40gb per platter. Will everyone want this much? The demand will not proceed that fast for everyone. Component numbers will likely remain down in quantity through this period but they could increase in price as they gain in complexity. As we approach the paramagnetic limit the areal density will likely be harder to develop. This may be a period where we start increasing platters and components because it is the new technology may become to expensive. At first I had difficulty understanding Todd's figures on the high percentage of single head drives but now it seems reasonable. Unless media increases in price with new technology, fewer heads will produce low prices for lower capacity drives. Just my opinions. Regards, Mark