Hitachi Global Storage Technologies has rolled out a 500GB version of its Travelstar 7K500 hard drive. This one spins up to 7200RPM and wastes only 0.69W in idle and 1.8W during read/write.

The new TravelStar 7K500 features the standard SATA 3.0Gbps interface, has a 16MB memory buffer, 12ms seek time, and will be available with optional hardware-based Bulk Data Encryption and "enhanced availability for 24/7 opteration.

In addition to the 56 percent higher capacity, Hitachi GST noted that this one should offer up to 16 percent better application performance when compared to its predecessor.

The drive is already shipping in limited quantities to top tier OEMs while the volume-shipping and retail is expected sometimes later this month. The drive should hit retail with a US $159.99 price tag.

This makes Hitachi only the second hard drive maker to offer a 500GB 7200RPM drive. Seagate is already shipping similar models, and we're still waiting for other manufacturers, mainly Western Digital, to launch such fast and spacious drives.