Although Hitachi and LG are competitors on certain market segments, their collaboration in the field of storage solutions seems to be a particularly successful one, the two companies' joint venture (Hitachi-LG Data Storage Inc. or HLDS) announcing at CEATEC Japan the development of a SATA III 6.0Gbps-based 2nd Generation, “Hybrid Drive”, that combines ODD and SSD functionality.

The first generation “Hybrid Drive” was introduced in Taiwan last June, and now, HLDS presents an even more advanced solution, equipped with SATA III(6.0Gbps) based improved speed, and a comprehensive SATA port, by accumulating ODD & SSD circuits in a integrated PCB.

The main advantage provide by this solution is the fact that, according to HLDS, it enables all PCs to use HDD, ODD and SDDs at the same time without having to change the entire system, by just exchanging the previous ODD.

"We are very excited about the potential of this ground-breaking product.

Once Hybrid Drive is loaded in all PC products including AIO, Mini PC, and Notebook, a new solution will be provided for user classes who were previously unsure of purchasing SSDs.

And Hybrid Drive also enables a smaller PC foot print (under 12" tablet PCs such as the Ultra Mobile PC, for example) by removing the HDD or SSD from the motherboard and just having Hybrid Drive with SSD as its primary storage,” stated HLDS Chief Marketing Officer YK Park.

Of course, we won't pass judgment on this thing until we get to see one performing live, and we certainly hope that we'll get the chance at some point.