Ricoh Co has come up with a half-height optical disk drive, the RO-5041WL, designed for use with personal computers: the drive is just 1.6 thick and weighs 9 ounces, as a result of slimming the controller down to two boards from five by studious application of computer-aided design, and of robots and inserters to automate 85% of wiring; it takes a 3.5 platter rather than the usual 4.7, and Ricoh is looking for its strong position in the market to get the new form factor off to a good start – the company has sold 30,000 of its 4.7 RO-5040 drive, putting it at number one in the market for sub-5 drives; due in September, the new drive will cost $5,100, the same price as its predecessor.
Content from our partners
