from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
Mini Disc
<storage, music> A music medium designed by {Sony} as a
portable replacement for music {Compact Discs}. In 1994 Sony
announced a data version which can hold 140 MB or about 100 MB
using {error correction}. These will be competitive with 128
MB {magneto-optical} disks. Mini Discs may be either a
re-writable or mass-produced read-only type. Sony have also
announced a standard data format.
The transfer rate is similar to {CD-ROM} which is slow
compared to the current {magneto-optical} drives (which are
similar to an old hard disk, with writing noticeably slower
than reading). Pre-recorded read-only Mini Discs can be mass
manufactured on a modified CD press - this and the standard
format mean it could take off as a software distribution
medium.
An article in the December 1994 PCW quotes {access times} of
about 300 ms and data transfer rate of about 150 kb/s (i.e.
about single spin CD rate).
(1994-12-13)