More data storage into a smaller package (see a recurring theme here?). Toshiba’s come out with their latest and greatest, get ready for new ipods. In order to accommodate your storage needs Toshiba has increased the platter density, improved energy efficiency, and data transfer rates. It spins at 5,400 rpm and has 16MB of cache. It even boasts greater durability than a traditional 2.5″ laptop drive. Look for the new drive secretly hiding in your gadgets next year.

How tiny? Think the size of your fingernail. Micro SD cards have got nothing on this. Nano tech isn’t just for movie space aliens. Engineers at NC State University have discovered a new way to store data with a 90% reduction in size. However the benefits go beyond the data storage realm. The process could also boost fuel economy and help create new efficient vehicles. Hello hybrid cars!

So much for net neutrality. It would appear that the CRTC has sided with the Rogers and Bell on the web traffic issue. Bad news for Internet wholesalers. So all that is required is to notify their customers 30 days in advance (60 days for resellers) and start throttling. The decision gives plenty of discretion to Rogers and Bell to slow down data whenever they deem it necessary (which will be ALL THE TIME). The CRTC also added indirectly that pricing should be adjusted and that the changes should “harm” customers as little as possible.

In another ruling billing per usage was shot down, at least temporarily, by the CRTC. If allowed to proceed, it would all but eliminate wholesalers all together by making it unprofitable. With little competition as is the Internet market would be divided up by Rogers and Bell. Canada is seriously lagging behind other G8 nations when it comes to Internet speed and prices.

So enjoy your “high speed Internet connection” and unlimited downloads while you still can.