64GB NAND flash modules could make HDD iPods extinct
It doesn't take much to deduce a computer maker's next jump in memory capacity. It's simply a function of Moore's Law combined with the price and availability of the raw components. Its next processor, on the other hand, can usually be gleaned straight from the manufacturer's chip roadmap.
Up until today the popular NAND flash memory chips that power the iPhone and iPod touch have been capped at 32GB making their maximum capacities 32GB and 64GB respectively. (The iPod touch has room for two NAND flash modules, hence the doubled maximum capacity over the iPhone's single NAND slot.)
It looks like that's all about to change as soon as next year when Toshiba begins shipping its 64GB NAND flash memory packages. Engadget reports that Toshiba is now sampling 64GB NAND flash modules with mass production slated to begin in Q1 2010. This is good news for users that have been clamoring for higher capacity devices as it looks like 64GB iPhones and 128GB iPod touches could be on tap for some time in the first quarter of 2010.
I'll go out on a limb to say that the new high-cap chips could mean the demise of the hard drive-based iPod classic. Apple would rather sell you an iPod touch and convert you into an App Store customer, than a dead-end clickwheel iPod classic.
According to Toshiba, 64GB can hold 1,070 hours of recorded music (at a 128Kbps), 8.3 hours of 17Mbps high definition video and 19.2 hours of 7Mbps standard definition video.
Tip: Engadget
Which memory capacity do you usually buy for your gadgets? The minimum? Or do you pay the hefty premium for the high-capacity model?