Toshiba today announced a new series of 5,400 RPM 2.5-inch HDDs offering up to 640GB of capacity, the industries' largest for a 2.5HDD capacity.

Toshiba's new 2.5-inch HDD lineup is an attractive solution for an array of computing applications from high performance notebook PCs, all-in-one desktops, to high definition images applications, which can benefit from lower power consumption without sacrificing storage capacity.

With an areal density of 817.9Mbit/mm2, (528.5 Gbit/in2), the new series includes 640GB, 500GB, 320GB, 250GB and 160GB models. For added durability, Toshiba offers a free-fall sensor option to help protect the drive should the host system be dropped.

In operation, MK6465GSX delivers significant performance improvements from Toshiba's previous generation of 5,400RPM drives, and energy consumption efficiency in raised by 28%. The MK6465GSX family is also compliant with the European Union's RoHS directive and halogen free.

The new drives will begin sample shipping to OEMs and distributors this month.

The company will also start shipping an external version of the new HDDs in the U.S. The portable drive is powered by the USB 2.0 interface and weighs six ounces. Priced at $179.99, the 640 Gb drive is abailable now in red, green, blue and white colors.