Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer readable media for transmitting data to and from a rotatable storage medium. A hard drive configured for embedding in a portable device is configured with a standardized connection to enable easy interoperability between embedded storage devices and portable computers. The hard drive is augmented with additional connection pins that can be used for manufacturing processes. These pins enable testing instructions to be passed between a testing system and the hard drives in a cost effective manner, while not requiring any changes in end-user products that utilize the hard drives.

Abstract: Methods to provide a ramp to remove a read/write head connected with a suspension from a media in accordance with the present invention can comprise calculating a grade of one or more surfaces having a plurality of progressively shallower grades. A transition between a steep grade and a less steep grade can occur at a nominal location at which the read/write head is removed from communicative proximity with the media. By shaping a ramp such that it includes a maximum steep grade, a surface of the media can have an optimized data region, potentially increasing the spacing of tracks or alternatively increasing the capacity of the media.