While handset makers are quickly pumping out multimedia phones designed to double as MP3 and video players, the on-board memory is usually far from adequate. Seagate is filling in this hole in the market with its latest addition to the CE product portfolio, the Seagate ST1.3 Series 12GB 1-inch hard drive. This innovation makes three key improvements to Seagate’s previous offerings. It is 23% smaller, stores 50% more, and eats up 30% less battery – all key issues for mobile devices.

The company plans on selling these tiny storage drives to manufacturers of DAPs, PMPs, and cell phones alike. According to the official statement from Seagate, the new 1-inch drive “fits nicely into current clamshell and candy-bar style mobile handsets.” In fact, at a mere 5mm of thickness, they just might be able to integrate it into the slimmest of skinny phones.

Moreover, because we’ve all dropped our mobile phones once or twice, shock protection is of utmost importance. As such, Seagate has implemented G-Force Protection to ensure skip-free reliable storage and playback. They say it can survive a 1.5-meter drop onto hard concrete.

The Seagate ST1.3 Series 12GB 1-inch hard drive should be available in the third quarter of this year.