Toshiba plans to introduce two new 1.8-in. hard drives, which the company claims can reduce the storage footprint in ultra-portable and sub-notebook PCs by as much as 40% compared to traditional 2.5-in. drives.

Toshiba said the single-platter 80GB MK8017GSG and dual-platter 160GB MK1617GSG drives will ship to mobile PC manufacturers and resellers in August. Patty Kim, product marketing manager at the Toshiba Storage Device Division, declined to disclose pricing plans.

Kim said the single platter 80GB drive replaces Toshiba's two-platter 80GB MK8016GSG 1.8-in. drive that was unveiled in February. Toshiba upped the areal density on its single-platter 80GB drive to 246.8 gigabits per square inch, compared to the older model's 182.8 gigabits per square inch.

Further, the new 80GB device weighs 60 grams and has one head, as opposed to its two-head 62 gram predecessor, making it a better fit for mobile PCs.

Both of the new drives include a 3Gbit/sec. serial ATA interface, have an average seek time of 15 milliseconds, 8 MB of cache, and spin speeds of 5,400 rpm. Energy consumption is 0.0028 watts/GB for the 160GB model and 0.0056 watts/GB for the 80GB version, noted Kim.

IDC predicts advances in mobile processor and wireless connectivity technologies over the next few years will significantly boost demand for thinner and lighter mobile PCs. According to a report released last month., the IT research firm projects that shipments for thin-and light mobile PCs will climb to over 26 million units by 2012.

Kim said that Toshiba sees increased interest from consumers for more storage in convertible PC tablets and other small-form factor PCs including hinges with moveable screens and sleeker overall designs.