Currently, HDTVs are compatible with a wide variety of devices via USB connection, including hard drives, cameras, and flash drives, but they do not support optical disk drives built for computers.

ENGADGET: Plextor's new external DVD burner works with TVs, no computer required

The Archos G9 Android-based tablet computers contain Momentus Thin (7 mm thick) hard disk drives from Seagate Technology rather than flash memory for long term storage.

FORBES: Are Fat Tablets in Your Future?

Apple, for example, has also frustrated hard-disk drive makers by featuring solid state drives across its line of notebook computers and eliminating spinning disks in the MacBook Air, its thinnest, lightest model.

FORBES: Apple's iPad Behind $4.3 Billion Disk Drive Deal