Flash drives herald end of the hard disk

Exhibitors at Computex are showing off 64GB Flash drives

Several manufacturers are showing large capacity hard drives based on Flash memory technology at the Computex trade show in Taipei.

The drives are lighter, less power-hungry and far more durable than traditional hard disk drives based on a rotating magnetic platter.

The largest on display were PQI's 64GB drives, and another company has a 32GB drive.

The PQI drives are working engineering samples with mass production scheduled for August, Bob Chiu, a sales manager with PQI told vnunet.com. Apacer was showing a similar 32GB flash drive. 

While Flash hard drives have many potential benefits, they also have some drawbacks and are expensive.

Apacer's 32GB drive, which is available now, sells for about $1,700, said Vincent Hsu of the company's development and marketing department.

The drive prices depend on Flash memory chip prices, which are falling rapidly as demand for the chips grows from products like Apple's iPod and manufacturers increase production.

"Samsung told us that they expect prices to fall 40 per cent every year, if demand continues to grow," said Hsu.

The high prices restrict these large Flash drives to specialist markets, such as military and industrial use, where the durability and resistance to adverse environmental conditions is critical.