Seagate today began shipping its latest small format hard drive, claiming that the 6GB device boasts the highest capacity currently available in a 1in form factor.

The addition to the storage firm's ST1 Series hard drive range is designed for incorporation into hardware including music players, PDAs and handheld entertainment devices. It can hold up to 150 hours of high-quality music files, equating to some 3,000 tracks.

Since they were introduced in June 2004, Seagate's ST1 Series hard drives have been used in handheld devices from firms including Creative, Olympus, Rio, Sanyo and Virgin.

The 6GB device will immediately begin shipping to OEM customers, together with 5GB and 2.5GB versions.

Seagate said that its ST1 drives ship with features for handheld applications including its RunOn technology to ensure consistent music playback while in a high-motion environment, such as jogging.

The range also incorporates Seagate's G-Force Protection system to protect the drive against shock from mishandling.

"Consumers are aware that storage is something they need to consider when they make a consumer electronics purchasing decision," said Mike Paxton, senior analyst at In-Stat/MDR.

"This is a trend that has become prominent over the past 12 months, as more and more people are building their own digital content libraries.

"Outside the music market, handheld video players and other personal media players will increasingly incorporate 1in hard drive storage.

"In addition, other products like mobile phones and handheld GPS systems are expected to integrate hard disk drives in the near future."