1TB hard drives reach Alienware, Dell systems

Dell revealed today that it will be the first computer builder to offer a one terabyte hard drive as an option in its systems. Using Hitachi's recently announced Deskstar 7K1000, Dell's own XPS 710, as well as its gaming brand Alienware's Area-51 and Aurora systems, will all get the added storage as an option during the customization process. The added space could be essential for gamers and others who want to keep their entire media library on their computers, says Dell's global consumer marketing VP Neil Hand. The 1TB drive has yet to be listed on Alienware's site but is now a $540 extra for the Dell XPS system.

The computer company has also unveiled a time capsule feature for its StudioDell video upload service: Dell customers can upload clips to the Flash-based site, which will hold the clips for as long as 50 years so that future generations can see them. Hitachi's 1TB drives are being used to make this possible, Hand says. The upload feature is available now and doesn't require a separate fee.