While writing the review, and doing a bit more research, I came across this Japanese review, translated:
http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... -post.html
It tries to analyze different models of the same drive, to see if it actually uses 3 platters (some info Hitachi is trying to hide from us). AIDA64 is actually telling me that it uses 7 heads, which would mean 3.5 platters (7 sides), right? I'm trying to understand this Japanese review, on how I'm able to discern from this HD Tune analysis regarding the platter densities... does anybody understand? Gstanford?

I'm wanting to analyze this myself, and incorporate some of this kind of info into my review....

7 heads would be 4 platters with one side of one platter unused.

It could also be 4 platters with all sides used if they start the head count at zero.

Thanks .. I'm still trying to understand this Japanese review - I'll be experimenting with HD Tune some more until I get it figured out myself.

This is what I'm trying to understand - specifically how to use that info to decipher the info that Hitachi doesn't want to share..

Well, if the are 6 surfaces, that would indicate 3 platters.

Alrite, I guess that will do, thanks..

All is set for now, with some editing and proofing under way.

I guess I'll just "submit" the review here on this thread, for you (Apoppin) to "transfer" to the main page. Just don't hold your breath in case I hit a writer's block somewhere..