How much should it cost to have a professional remove the hard drive from Macbook Air

lambo · Jan 10, 2013, 11:11 AM

I need the hard drive removed from my late 2010 Macbook Air. How much should I expect to pay?

I called one place already, but I want to make sure I'm getting a good deal.

Or do you recommend that I remove it myself?

GGJstudios · 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambo

I need the hard drive removed from my late 2010 Macbook Air. How much should I expect to pay?

I called one place already, but I want to make sure I'm getting a good deal.

Or do you recommend that I remove it myself?

Your MBA does not have a hard drive. It has flash memory.

MacBook Air 11" Late 2010 Teardown

ezramoore · 12:08 PM

I have all the necessary Apple tools to do it, I would charge about $40.

I say that I have all the tools because the shop you find should have them too.

thejadedmonkey · Jan 10, 2013, 11:23 AM

But keep in mind that $40 would to hand you a stick like the above picture. It would be rather worthless unless you buy an enclosure too.

ezramoore · Jan 10, 2013, 11:27 AM

This is correct. Try to get them to stick it in an antistatic bag for you. I've seen a blade SSD get nuked by ESD.

If you tell us why you are taking the drive out, we may be able to assist you further.

tdhurst · Jan 10, 2013, 11:44 AM

A shop would likely charge $100.

Friend with knowledge? Half that.

Not including parts.

I'm no engineer (I worked for Apple Retail, but not as a genius and they didn't teach us anything I didn't already know from MR or YouTube), but I replaced a Mac Mini hdd two weeks ago. Rated as 5 star, only to be done by a pro.

I found the right tools, followed the instructions and it's working great. Sometimes the biggest obstacle is fear.

lambo · Jan 10, 2013, 12:06 PM

Thanks for all the responses!

I need to remove the flash memory (thanks GCJ studios) because I want to sell the Macbook Air and don't want my personal information on it. It's water damaged so I can't turn it on. I'm not particularly interested in using the information on the flash memory, but if it's cheap to get the antistatic bag, perhaps.

The place I called is charging $75.

tdhurst · Jan 10, 2013, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambo

Thanks for all the responses!

I need to remove the flash memory (thanks GCJ studios) because I want to sell the Macbook Air and don't want my personal information on it. It's water damaged so I can't turn it on. I'm not particularly interested in using the information on the flash memory, but if it's cheap to get the antistatic bag, perhaps.

The place I called is charging $75.

That doesn't seem outrageous. The hard part is taking apart and putting back together, which is the same whether your removing or swapping a drive.

ezramoore · Jan 10, 2013, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambo

I'm not particularly interested in using the information on the flash memory, but if it's cheap to get the antistatic bag, perhaps.

The place I called is charging $75.

They should give you an antistatic bag for free. Many electronic components are shipped in them, most shops keep a few handy for customers.

I think $75 is a bit steep, is it an 11" or 13"?

lambo · Jan 10, 2013, 12:13 PM

Okay, I'll probably go with them then. It's an 11".

Mrbobb · Jan 10, 2013, 12:27 PM

U disclosed to the buyer he's getting laptop sans storage right? OK.

GGJstudios · Jan 10, 2013, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrbobb

U disclosed to the buyer he's getting laptop sans storage right? OK.

I'm guessing that with water damage, the lack of storage is a relatively minor issue.

robvas · Jan 10, 2013, 12:31 PM

Buy a pentalobe screwdriver and take it out yourself.

Spend the money on some beer/wine or dinner instead of paying for an hour of labor from a tech.

cjgonzales1900 · Jan 10, 2013, 05:55 PM

Its relatively easy. I work for a Computer repair shop, we charge by the hour minimum 1 hour for it would be $70. You just need a pentaloble screwdriver and phillips. Just watch a youtube video, since your MBA is already damaged beyond repair it doesnt matter if you mess anything up. its about 9 screws and your drive is out. Super easy. You can also check out iFixit.com for tutorials.

cfs112 · Jan 10, 2013, 06:37 PM

Honestly, there are a ton of youtube videos on how to do this. Buy the screw driver and you're good to go. It's really not as hard as you think. For a long time I was hesitant to open up any of my macs. Then the hard drive failed on my 2008 iMac and I decided to take the plunge. It was a piece of cake! Since then I've opened up my MBP to upgrade to dual drives with SSD. Go for it!

ybz90 · Jan 10, 2013, 06:49 PM

I second all the comments about doing it yourself. It seems daunting, the idea of taking apart a computer, but ifixit guides are really thorough and it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes tops.

jav6454 · Jan 10, 2013, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambo

I need the hard drive removed from my late 2010 Macbook Air. How much should I expect to pay?

I called one place already, but I want to make sure I'm getting a good deal.

Or do you recommend that I remove it myself?

Do it yourself... it'll probably be $20/hr... at cheapest.

TheRealDamager · Jan 10, 2013, 07:09 PM

It really boils down to whether you value time or money. If you are really short on cash, and are willing to order and wait for the right screwdriver, this is a VERY easy and quick piece of work.

If you dont want to deal with the learning curve and wait, then $75 seems reasonable. Make them put it in an appropriate storage bag for the price.

lambo · Jan 10, 2013, 08:18 PM

All right, I do value my money, beer, wine, dinner, etc so I went ahead and bought the pentalobe screwdriver from ifixit.com. $12.95 with shipping. It'll be a good learning experience I reckon.

Thanks for all the help! Really appreciate it!

TheRealDamager · Jan 10, 2013, 08:36 PM

Good luck - I think you'll find the process very easy and straightforward.

Mrbobb · Jan 10, 2013, 08:48 PM

Well alright, I guess u guys talked him into it. I was just about to regale my nightmare taking apart an iPod Mini

but alright a big (comparatively) laptop should be no problem.

Just make sure you don't strip the screws. If the screw head doesn't fit in exactly, they ship you the wrong size tool.

53x12 · Jan 10, 2013, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambo

Thanks for all the responses!

I need to remove the flash memory (thanks GCJ studios) because I want to sell the Macbook Air and don't want my personal information on it. It's water damaged so I can't turn it on. I'm not particularly interested in using the information on the flash memory, but if it's cheap to get the antistatic bag, perhaps.

The place I called is charging $75.

$75 is steep. Good on you to buy the tools yourself. Should only take you 30 min to complete the job if you watch some YouTube videos and/or read some tutorials.

macfly4 · Jan 11, 2013, 03:10 PM

Tis is the easiest thing in the world to do. Take off the back screws, open back,detach battery cable to drive then remove ssd drive. I replaced mine with a bigger one from OWC and it took about 10 minutes...if that. Go to their website and look at the videos on how to do it

tdhurst · Jan 11, 2013, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macfly4

Tis is the easiest thing in the world to do. Take off the back screws, open back,detach battery cable to drive then remove ssd drive. I replaced mine with a bigger one from OWC and it took about 10 minutes...if that. Go to their website and look at the videos on how to do it

That's WAAAAAAY easier than 2009 Mac Mini I did.

Videos make it super simple.

throAU · Jan 11, 2013, 10:45 PM

If the machine is already broken and you just want to prevent people getting your data do it yourself.

You can't break a machine that is already broken...

Jan 10, 2013, 11:11 AM	#1
lambo macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2008	How much should it cost to have a professional remove the hard drive from Macbook Air I need the hard drive removed from my late 2010 Macbook Air. How much should I expect to pay? I called one place already, but I want to make sure I'm getting a good deal. Or do you recommend that I remove it myself?
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 11:15 AM	#3
ezramoore macrumors 6502a Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Washington State	I have all the necessary Apple tools to do it, I would charge about $40. I say that I have all the tools because the shop you find should have them too. Last edited by ezramoore; Jan 10, 2013 at 12:08 PM. Reason: clarification
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 11:23 AM	#4
thejadedmonkey macrumors 604 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pa	But keep in mind that $40 would to hand you a stick like the above picture. It would be rather worthless unless you buy an enclosure too. __________________ MacBook Air • 17" MacBook Pro • iPod Nano • Apple TV Custom Windows 7 Desktop • Surface RT • WP8 "Good judgment comes from experience, experience comes from bad judgment." - Mulla Nasrudin
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 11:44 AM	#6
tdhurst macrumors 68040 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Portland, OR	How much? A shop would likely charge $100. Friend with knowledge? Half that. Not including parts. I'm no engineer (I worked for Apple Retail, but not as a genius and they didn't teach us anything I didn't already know from MR or YouTube), but I replaced a Mac Mini hdd two weeks ago. Rated as 5 star, only to be done by a pro. I found the right tools, followed the instructions and it's working great. Sometimes the biggest obstacle is fear. __________________ Twitter - tdhurst I blog here. 2012 11.6" 2.0ghz i7 MacBook Air, 2.26 C2D Mac Mini, iPhone 4S, Apple TV 3.
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 12:27 PM	#11
Mrbobb macrumors 68030 Join Date: Aug 2012	U disclosed to the buyer he's getting laptop sans storage right? OK. __________________ Solution: FREE, Explanation: Is gonna cost ya.
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 11:27 AM	#5
ezramoore macrumors 6502a Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Washington State	This is correct. Try to get them to stick it in an antistatic bag for you. I've seen a blade SSD get nuked by ESD. If you tell us why you are taking the drive out, we may be able to assist you further.
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 12:06 PM	#7
lambo Thread Starter macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2008	Thanks for all the responses! I need to remove the flash memory (thanks GCJ studios) because I want to sell the Macbook Air and don't want my personal information on it. It's water damaged so I can't turn it on. I'm not particularly interested in using the information on the flash memory, but if it's cheap to get the antistatic bag, perhaps. The place I called is charging $75.
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 12:13 PM	#10
lambo Thread Starter macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2008	Okay, I'll probably go with them then. It's an 11".
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 12:31 PM	#13
robvas macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA	Buy a pentalobe screwdriver and take it out yourself. Spend the money on some beer/wine or dinner instead of paying for an hour of labor from a tech.
	1

Jan 10, 2013, 05:55 PM	#14
cjgonzales1900 macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2009	Its relatively easy. I work for a Computer repair shop, we charge by the hour minimum 1 hour for it would be $70. You just need a pentaloble screwdriver and phillips. Just watch a youtube video, since your MBA is already damaged beyond repair it doesnt matter if you mess anything up. its about 9 screws and your drive is out. Super easy. You can also check out iFixit.com for tutorials. __________________ 2011 MacBook Air 1.7GHz i5 4GB 128GB SSD 2012 iPhone 5 Black 16GB 2013 Mac Mini 2.5GHz i5 16GB 500GB HD
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 06:37 PM	#15
cfs112 macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2012	Honestly, there are a ton of youtube videos on how to do this. Buy the screw driver and you're good to go. It's really not as hard as you think. For a long time I was hesitant to open up any of my macs. Then the hard drive failed on my 2008 iMac and I decided to take the plunge. It was a piece of cake! Since then I've opened up my MBP to upgrade to dual drives with SSD. Go for it! __________________ 2012 non-retina MBP (16GB RAM, SSD + HDD combo), iPhone 5, iPad Mini, 2007 24" iMac
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 06:49 PM	#16
ybz90 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2009	I second all the comments about doing it yourself. It seems daunting, the idea of taking apart a computer, but ifixit guides are really thorough and it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes tops. __________________ Buy my Thunderbolt Display and Drobo (and other cool stuff)!
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 07:09 PM	#18
TheRealDamager macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2011	It really boils down to whether you value time or money. If you are really short on cash, and are willing to order and wait for the right screwdriver, this is a VERY easy and quick piece of work. If you dont want to deal with the learning curve and wait, then $75 seems reasonable. Make them put it in an appropriate storage bag for the price.
	1

Jan 10, 2013, 08:18 PM	#19
lambo Thread Starter macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2008	All right, I do value my money, beer, wine, dinner, etc so I went ahead and bought the pentalobe screwdriver from ifixit.com. $12.95 with shipping. It'll be a good learning experience I reckon. Thanks for all the help! Really appreciate it!
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 08:36 PM	#20
TheRealDamager macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2011	Good luck - I think you'll find the process very easy and straightforward.
	0

Jan 10, 2013, 08:48 PM	#21
Mrbobb macrumors 68030 Join Date: Aug 2012	Well alright, I guess u guys talked him into it. I was just about to regale my nightmare taking apart an iPod Mini but alright a big (comparatively) laptop should be no problem. Just make sure you don't strip the screws. If the screw head doesn't fit in exactly, they ship you the wrong size tool. __________________ Solution: FREE, Explanation: Is gonna cost ya.
	0

Jan 11, 2013, 03:10 PM	#23
macfly4 macrumors member Join Date: Apr 2011	Tis is the easiest thing in the world to do. Take off the back screws, open back,detach battery cable to drive then remove ssd drive. I replaced mine with a bigger one from OWC and it took about 10 minutes...if that. Go to their website and look at the videos on how to do it
	0

Jan 11, 2013, 10:45 PM	#25
throAU macrumors 68020 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Perth, Western Australia	If the machine is already broken and you just want to prevent people getting your data do it yourself. You can't break a machine that is already broken... __________________ MBP (early 2011) - Core i7 2720 2.2ghz, Hires Glossy, 16GB, Seagate Momentus XT 750GB Mac Mini (mid 2007) - Core2 Duo 1.8, 2gb, 320gb 7200 rpm iPhone 4S, iPad 4
	0

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