The Evolution of Storage Media

Today we trace the evolution of computer storage media from the early days of personal computing to modern solid-state technology.
Beginning with low-capacity analogue storage like cassette tapes (100–200 kilobytes), we progresses through various formats, including floppy disks (from 360kb up to 1.44MB) and early digital tape systems.

Then moving to hard drives (IDE, SCSI, SATA), optical media (CD/DVD), and specialized formats like PCMCIA cards and Floptical/Super Disk technology.

We conclude by discussing the advent of Solid State Drives (SSDs), specifically mSATA and M.2 NVME, noting the overall trend toward higher capacity, faster access speeds, and smaller form factors, while acknowledging the problem of media obsolescence.

00:00 - Introduction
00:41 - 1980s computers and cassette tapes
01:30 - Digital Tapes
02:22 - 5.25 inch Floppy disks
02:57 - 3.5 inch Floppy disk
03:58 - Sony Mavica camera
04:34 - PCMCIA cards
05:08 - Floptical and SuperDisk
06:26 - Hard drives IDE, SCSI & SATA
08:04 - Magneto Optical
08:30 - CD & DVD
09:34 - MSata
10:13 - M.2
11:05 - Media obsolescence
11:43 - USB drives
12:45 - SD cards
13:28 - Summary

I don't work for, nor am I paid or sponsored by, any company mentioned in these videos, I'm just a fan of their products.

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Additional Graphics
Acorn ANF03 Data Cassette Recorder for BBC Microcomputer.
2012-5118/90 Science Museum Group Collection Online.
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup....

Portable radio cassette player made by the Sharp Corporation.
Y2004.70 Science Museum Group Collection Online.
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup....

Music by https://www.ghosthack.de/