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What about Filevault?

Even trusting the security, I've heard of all kinds of issues with that, including performance issues, risk of losing data, etc. And it wouldn't encrypt stuff in the swap file, temp files, etc.

And you can wipe the HD from the OS CD.

Not necessarily if the hardware isn't working right.

Alternatively you could call Apple and see what they say about this, they might be able to do something (i.e. let you go into the Apple Store with the technician to take out the HD if it went wrong).

I don't live anywhere near an Apple store :(
 
Security. There's no fool proof way to secure a hard other than having physical control of it. And even Disk Utility's secure erase requires that the system be working well enough to run it (and run it throughly).

It's a risk I'm not willing to take, and the company I work for wouldn't allow even if I was willing to take the risk.

If this job is as security-dependent as you claim, then you should already be backing up your machine regularly. An overnight backup scheduled for a time when you aren't using the computer is a good idea, obviously to an external drive that you would have physical control over and could encrypt, etc.

If you needed repair work done, you'd have to options to ensure that your data wasn't sent in to repair. First, if possible you could boot off the Mac OS X Install Disk into the Disk Utility on their and do a complete zeroed-out wipe of the drive. You would have the backup already, so no data would be lost. Otherwise, you could use another available Mac to boot into Firewire Disk Mode and wipe the drive from that other Mac.

If you need the option to be able to remove the hard drive before sending it in for repair service (which is weird, because how is the service person supposed to be able to check if its working without a bootable drive), then the MacBook Pro is not an available option for you. It's as simple as that.

:apple:
 
Guess your best bet is probably to wait until the next "big" revision. It's probably a pretty reasonable expectation that Apple will make the MBP HD user replaceable in the future.

Yeah, I hope so. I was kind of giving this a 30% chance of it, since they were updating so much other stuff, and in a way the Macbook Pro never got a complete overhaul from it's G4 incarnation.

For now I guess I'm still waiting. It's been a toss up for me between Dell and Apple anyway, and in Dell's case I've waiting for an 8800 (which might come in Q3...maybe). I've been waiting since last August now... :eek:
 
I'm still not getting something here. Why do you need to swap out the drive when you get it or send it in for service. Can't you just dump everything on it to an external drive or clone the whole drive?
I guess one thing could be if you have a work with sensetive information on your harddrive.
 
Guess your best bet is probably to wait until the next "big" revision. It's probably a pretty reasonable expectation that Apple will make the MBP HD user replaceable in the future.

Well, it's definitely a risk. People replace HD from Macs all the time. they usually go to "ifixit.com" or something to get step-by-step directions. I mean if you want to wait, sure; but if you want 200GB OR swap it out with a 7200RPM drive, it's a great option to upgrade.

And to the quote about getting an external instead. I can think of many reasons of why you don't want external drives. It's annoying... you want everything in one place.... etc. Plus to get something running as fast and efficiently as the speed your internal drive is running, you would have to get an ESATA card and a ESATA enclosure + the drive. That does get kinda pricey.
 
installing RAM doesnt void the warranty does it?

No, the Battery and RAM are the only "user-serviceable" parts on the MBP. That said, if you somehow damage your computer when installing the RAM your warranty will be void because it doesn't cover accidental damage.

:apple:
 
I asked a mac genius some time ago whether or not replacing the hard drive in my powerbook would void the warranty. His short answer was no, with a few caveats: 1. Damaging the computer while taking it apart will not be covered and 2. Non-apple parts (i.e. hard drives) are not covered by Apple.

So be careful, take your time, use the proper tools and follow the take-apart manual. As mentioned, #00 phillips is your friend when you're taking apart an Apple laptop. Don't try jabbing a different size in the screw head if you don't have the correct one, and don't use a screwdriver with a worn head. Chewed-up screw heads will surely raise an eyebrow.
 
I wouldn't bother opening your MBP. From my ongoing MBP trouble (https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=3720531), I've learned that Apple wants to void your warranty, even if you haven't opened or damaged the machine. AppleCare also claims that if one component's warranty is voided, then the whole machine is because it's "hard to warranty."

If you randomly ask someone at AppleCare if individual components will automatically void the entire warranty, they'll probably respond with a "no," but this is apparently not in line with Apple's policy. Basically, I wouldn't even touch the thing at all once you put it on a desk, for fear that Apple may void your warranty on grounds of physical or "accidental damage." Just plug in an external keyboard, mouse, etc., since Apple's obviously eager to void some MBP warranties.

Sorry for that rant, just frustrated with Apple's treatment of my MBP issues.
 
Thanks. :( Wouldn't it be funny if they tried to void the warrenty for "installing your own USB keyboard"? ;)

I hope your situation gets straightened out. That's why I'm getting the accidental damage thing if I end up with a Dell-even if they claim it's my fault, I can just go "no it's not, but it's still covered!"

Apple really needs to fix your system :mad:
 
Opening 2009 MacBook Pro

I opened my new 2009 MacBook Pro with a small home-made diagram showing where the different screws go, and took it apart. I just stopped whenever there was a small neon orange sticker that said DO NOT REMOVE. I got as far out as taking out the fans. Other than that, the computer came out pretty well. There was a slight snag where after you remove the six screws the back lid won't come off properly. Just ignore any resistance and pull it off (with the small lever on the back pulled open) and then it should pop off. When putting it back on, then you should put the lid on and it would clic back on.
 
I'm so glad they've made the newer models more user accessable!
 
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