Memory uses nanowires

Researchers from the Centre for Applied Nanoionics have developed a new type of computer memory, which they say will boost the performance, capacity and battery life of consumer electronics, according to TFOT.

The new technology, called `programmable metallisation cell` (PMC), is low-cost and more power-efficient than conventional memory storage systems.

Unlike flash memory, where bits are stored as an electronic charge, PMC memory uses nanowires from copper atoms to record binary data.

Intel is eyeballing the small office or home users with limited storage expertise with its Intel Entry Storage System SS4200x, according to Channel Register.

The platform is powered by a custom Intel Celeron 400-series processor with 512M DDR2 memory and the 945GZ memory controller hub and ICH&-R I/O hub.

It has four non-hot plug bays for disk drives, from 80GB to 1TB. It also sports an external SATA port for storage expansion.

A survey has shown that competition from flash memory and increased shipments of PCs and consumer electronics products are driving down the prices of and fuelling demand for hard disk drives, says Computer World.

Average pricing of notebook hard drives tumbled, falling to $53 in the third quarter of 2007, from $86 in the same period during the previous year. Desktop hard drive prices fell to $51 in the third quarter of 2007, compared to $52.75 the previous year.

Overall, about 134 million hard drives shipped in the third quarter of 2007, compared to 114 million the same period a year earlier, a 21% year-on-year increase.