Hard disk manufacturers continue to introduce new hard disk form factors and connector standards. There are two prevalent standards for 1.8" hard disks with ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connectors, one popularized by Hitachi and the other by Toshiba.

The ZIF connectors on the Hitachi and Toshiba hard disks look the same, but they are not inter-compatible. Each type of hard disk connects to an FFC cable - a flat, flexible cable which is superficially similar to a ribbon cable. But, the Hitachi and Toshiba hard disks are designed for FFC cables of different thicknesses. Be careful! Many of the ZIF hard disk adapters on the market support only one or the other thickness, but not both.

The Tableau TDA5-ZIF works seemlessly with both FFC cable thicknesses and fully supports both Hitachi and Toshiba ZIF hard disks.

Tableau sells the TDA5-ZIF in a kit which includes the TDA5-ZIF itself, two FFC cables for use with Hitachi drives, two FFC cables for use with Toshiba drives, and a Tableau-branded nylon bag to keep everything organized. And like other Tableau hard disk adapters, the TDA5-ZIF is housed in a rugged plastic enclosure...None of the circuit board is exposed and subject to damage or short circuits.

A word of caution regarding ZIF drives and the TDA5-ZIF:

ZIF connectors are not very robust and they are typically rated for only 20 insertion/removal cycles. When using the TDA5-ZIF, Tableau recommends that you leave the most recently used FFC cable connected to the TDA5-ZIF. Change the FFC cable only you change between Hitachi and Toshiba drives or when the FFC cable itself wears out. This practice will greatly extend the life of your TDA5-ZIF.