Samsung today debuted its SpinPoint N series of 1.8-inch hard drive designed for digital media players -- such as Apple's video iPod -- and ultra-portable notebooks. The drive is the first to achieve 60GB of storage on a single platter through perpendicular magnetic recording, and measures only 5mm (0.2 inches) thick. The new drive also marks the first time such storage is feasible without resorting to a much thicker dual-platter case, according to Samsung. The N series equally represents one of the first lines of hard disks to support the recently created CE-ATA standard built specifically for handhelds and other consumer electronics, and the company said it has already begun shipping the new SpinPoint in its flagship 60GB model as well as 20GB, 30GB, and 40GB versions.

The implementation may signal upgrades later this year for the iPod and other key video-capable jukeboxes, according to Electronista, as it increases the minimum amount of storage for some of the thinnest devices. Many larger hard drive-based players rely on two platters or even separate disks, posing the possibility of up to 120GB players moving forward.