Hitachi last week introduced the CinemaStar C5K500, a 2.5" hard drive that's designed specifically for low-power operation.

"The CinemaStar C5K500... is a 500 GB hard drive that uses 22 percent less power for reading and writing than previous models, at 1.5 W... it's part of the company's EcoTrac line of products, which are designed to have lower operating costs through power conservation, less waste during manufacturing, fewer toxic materials and greener packaging and transportation," writes CD Freaks' Jared Newman. "The hard disc drive is also halogen-free."

"According to hitachi, its new CinemaStar hard drive is best suited for digital video applications that require compact design and low power usage, such as slim digital video recorders, set-top boxes, and surveillance systems," writes Crave's Dong Ngo. "This is because the new CinemaStar supports Hitachi's Smooth Stream technology that enhances streaming functionality in digital video applications and is designed for ultraquiet operation."

"Hitachi says the drive will ship worldwide in Q2 2009 at an undisclosed price," writes I4U News' Shane McGlaun.

More here from Ubergizmo ... more here from SlashGear ... more here from Electronista ... more here from TechShout ... more here from SlipperyBrick ... and the press release is here.