HGST's helium-filled hard drive to ship this year

Helium-filled hard drives are really happening. After working on the technology for more than six years, HGST is finally ready to roll out the first commercial implementation. X-bit labs got the word straight from Western Digital CEO Stephen Milligan. (Remember, Western Digital owns HGST.) Milligan said the first helium-filled drive will be available to "a select group of customers" this year. Although quantities will be limited initially, the drive will reportedly ship for revenue.

Helium has a much lower density than air, which translates to less resistance for the rotating platters. The noble gas also reduces the fluid-flow forces between the platters and drive ...