The big debate in the storage sector is format. There is a new technology that has been in the works for some time. There have been debates between HD DVD and the Blu-ray to see who will reign continues. From now on the way the average user thinks about data storage will change. Expect to see a new generation of DVD burners come out that will be able to increase disc data capacity. Your regular 12 centimeter optical discs that you watch DVDs on now only hold approximately 5GB of data. A dual layer disc can hold around 9GB. With the new Blu-ray technology you can hold up to 15GB on single and 30GB on dual layered. So what's the difference? The difference is the type of laser that is used to burn data onto the disc. The blue laser can put out a pulse of light with a smaller wavelength than your traditional red laser. The difference is about 200nm.

Desktop PCs and gaming consoles will most likely be the first to see the new drives, however, a major slimmed down version will in laptops soon after. Toshiba is working on a design now and may very well be the first to use the HD technology in a notebook. Qosmio is rumored to be released with it at the end of 2005. To purchase a notebook with this technology will cost you $1,900 to $2,700 according to company.

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