When buying a new laptop, one of the most important decisions is what type of storage drive to get. For decades, the hard disk drive (HDD) was the default storage option for laptops and desktop computers. But in recent years, solid state drives (SSDs) have become a popular alternative. SSDs offer significant advantages over HDDs in performance, reliability, size and more. But HDDs have not disappeared entirely – they still remain a viable storage option, especially for budget-conscious shoppers. So can you still buy laptops with hard drives in 2023? Let’s take a look at the history and pros and cons of HDDs versus SSDs to help understand if and when hard drives still make sense in modern laptops.
Computer storage devices have evolved rapidly over the decades. The first computers of the 1940s and 50s relied on punch cards and paper tape for data storage and input. Magnetic tape and drum memory provided the primary storage for computers in the 1950s and 60s. According to the Computer History Museum, IBM’s 1311 disk drive, introduced in 1962, was the first disk storage device made for removable disk packs (1). In the 1970s and 80s, floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), and optical storage emerged as primary storage mediums. HDDs in particular became the default for personal computers once the first single-user HDD system (the 5MB ST-506) was introduced in 1980 by Seagate Technology.
What is a Hard Drive?
A hard drive, also known as a hard disk drive (HDD) or fixed disk, is a data storage device used in computers to store and retrieve digital data. A hard drive stores data on rapidly rotating disks or platters coated in magnetic material (Source: Crucial).
Hard drives work by using a read/write head to manipulate the magnetized regions on the disk platters in order to store and access data. The platters rotate at high speeds, allowing the head to quickly access any part of the drive. Meanwhile, an actuator arm controls the movement of the read/write head across the platters as needed (Source: Wikipedia).
Hard drives allow computers to store large amounts of data, ranging from gigabytes to terabytes. They provide high-capacity, cost-effective, non-volatile storage for everyday computer use.
Advantages of Hard Drives
One of the biggest advantages of hard disk drives is their large storage capacity. Traditional HDDs typically offer much more storage space compared to SSDs, with common sizes ranging from 500GB to multiple TB (5 Benefits Of Using HDD For Data Storage). This makes HDDs well-suited for storing large volumes of data, such as media files, documents, applications, and games.
Another benefit of HDDs is their cost effectiveness in terms of price per gigabyte. HDDs have a much lower cost per GB compared to SSDs and other storage technologies. This allows consumers to get more storage capacity for their money with HDDs (SSD vs. HDD: Know the Difference). The affordability of HDDs makes them a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers who need substantial storage space.
Disadvantages of Hard Drives
One key disadvantage of hard disk drives compared to SSDs is slower performance. Hard drives rely on spinning platters and moving read/write heads, which is a mechanical process. This makes them significantly slower for accessing data than SSDs that use electronic components and have no moving parts (1-2). The mechanical nature of hard drives also makes them more prone to damage and failure from physical impacts like drops. An SSD has no risk of a head crash or other mechanical failure.
Overall, the two big drawbacks of traditional hard disk drives are slower speeds compared to SSDs, and higher likelihood of failure from impacts due to their mechanical, spinning platter design (1). SSDs are faster, more durable, and better suited for portable devices like laptops.
Sources:
(1) https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-limitations-on-how-much-HDD-storage-I-can-install-in-a-laptop
(2) https://tldp.org/HOWTO/Large-Disk-HOWTO-4.html
What is an SSD?
An SSD, or solid-state drive, is a type of storage device used in computers. This non-volatile storage media stores persistent data on solid-state flash memory chips rather than mechanical platters like those found in traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) (Source). SSDs use microchips that retain data even when the power is turned off. Because of this flash memory storage, SSDs have much faster data transfer speeds, use less power, generate less heat, and are less prone to mechanical failure compared to HDDs.
Instead of having a spinning platter like a traditional hard drive, the memory chips in an SSD are mounted directly onto the circuit board. When data is accessed from the SSD, it can be pulled instantly rather than having to locate it magnetically as on a HDD. This is what makes SSDs much faster for retrieving and opening files. The lack of moving parts also allows SSDs to be more compact and shock-resistant.
Overall, the solid-state flash memory in SSDs allows for much faster start-up times, file transfers, and access compared to traditional hard disk drives. SSDs have revolutionized computer storage by improving performance and reliability.
Advantages of SSDs
SSDs have faster read and write speeds compared to HDDs. This is because SSDs use flash memory with no moving parts, allowing data to be accessed almost instantly. SSDs can read data at speeds over 500 MB/s, while HDDs max out around 120 MB/s (1). The increased speed of SSDs results in faster boot times and quicker access to files and programs.
SSDs are also more resistant to physical damage due to their lack of moving parts. Unlike HDDs, SSDs have no risk of disk fragmentation or head crashes that can destroy data. SSDs are better equipped to withstand shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. However, SSDs can still be damaged if exposed to strong magnets or static electricity (1).
(1) https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/ssd-solid-state-drive
Disadvantages of SSDs
SSDs have some drawbacks compared to traditional HDDs:
More expensive per GB – SSDs are typically more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs. The cost per gigabyte for SSDs is generally 3-4 times higher than HDDs [1]. This means it costs significantly more to get the same amount of storage capacity with an SSD versus an HDD.
Limited lifespan – SSDs have a limited number of write cycles before they wear out and can no longer store data reliably. Most SSDs are only rated for a few thousand write cycles, whereas HDDs can typically withstand hundreds of thousands of write cycles before failure [2]. Heavy and constant use will cause an SSD to wear out faster than an HDD.
Laptops Still Available with Hard Drives
Despite the growing popularity of SSDs, there are still some laptop models that come equipped with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). This is especially true for budget laptops, where keeping costs down is a priority. Models with large HDDs can offer high storage capacities at lower prices compared to SSDs.
Some examples of budget laptops still available with hard drives include:
- HP 15 Laptop – Up to 1TB HDD
- Lenovo IdeaPad 1 – Up to 1TB HDD
- Acer Aspire 5 – Up to 2TB HDD
For people who need copious amounts of storage space, some high-capacity laptop models also still use HDDs, such as:
- Dell Inspiron 15 7000 – Up to 2TB HDD
- Asus ZenBook Pro Duo – Up to 2TB HDD
- Razer Blade 15 – Up to 2TB HDD
While HDDs have drawbacks like slower speeds, they can still be a practical and affordable choice for budget laptop shoppers or anyone needing massive amounts of storage. Manufacturers continue to offer laptops with HDD options to meet different users’ needs and budgets.
Recommendations
When choosing between a laptop with a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD), consider the following recommendations for different use cases:
Hard drives are still a good choice for:
- Budget laptops – HDDs are cheaper per gigabyte than SSDs.
- Laptops used for basic tasks like web browsing and office applications. The slower speed of HDDs is less noticeable for routine computing.
- Storing large multimedia files locally like photos, videos, and music libraries. The larger capacities of HDDs accommodate bigger files.
SSDs are preferred for:
- Performance-driven laptops like gaming rigs or creative workstations, where faster load times and transfer speeds are critical.
- Frequent travelers who need something durable that can withstand bumps and jolts.
- Enterprise environments where security is important. SSDs can be encrypted and remotely wiped if lost or stolen.
Consider how you plan to use your laptop and let your specific needs guide your decision between HDD and SSD. Power users and road warriors will benefit most from SSDs, while more casual users may still find HDDs sufficient.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored whether laptops with traditional hard disk drives are still available for purchase in 2022. We learned that while solid state drives have become the dominant storage technology in newer laptops due to their speed, durability, and power efficiency advantages, there are still some laptop manufacturers offering models with HDDs. These hard drive-based laptops appeal to budget-conscious shoppers or those who need abundant storage capacity that HDDs can provide at a lower cost per gigabyte compared to SSDs.
When deciding between a hard drive or SSD laptop, it’s important to consider your performance needs and budget. HDDs are better suited for secondary storage and backups, while SSDs provide a snappier system experience. Although SSD prices have dropped, HDDs still offer more affordable storage for those who can accept some tradeoffs in speed. While fewer laptop options exist today with old-school mechanical hard drives, they can still be a good choice for certain use cases.