Powerbook Hard Drive

[Jorginson]

I am about to purchase an upgraded 15 inch Powerbook. This will be my first time owning an Apple computer, and I had a question about the hard drives.

There are 100 GB hdd's that run at 7200 rpm and 120 gb models running at 5400. If I were to purchase the 120 GB model would I experience a noticeable decrease in load times and seek times? Which one should I get?

 

[tekmoe]

i went with the 7200rpm for speed!

 

[mrichmon]

There are 100 GB hdd's that run at 7200 rpm and 120 gb models running at 5400. If I were to purchase the 120 GB model would I experience a noticeable decrease in load times and seek times? Which one should I get?

Yes, there is a noticable difference. However if you are planning on getting a reasonable (>1GB) amount of memory and will not be using virtual memory very often (large applications or documents, esp. photoshop, final cut pro, etc) then the difference is not going to be all that bothersome.

The main question is how much you need to extra 20GB and whether you anticipate upgrading your hard drive in the future since 7200rpm drives with larger capacity than 120GB will be out in a short while.

 

[wPod]

since i am running out of space on my 40GB drive in my 12" PB . . . i say go for the 120GB. . . but that is me. . . what is more important to you, 20 extra GB or a little speed? if speed is more important then go for the 100GB 7200rpm it will be worth it, though it might drop the battery time.

 

[Jorginson]

I plan on getting the PB with 1 gig of ram, and possibly buying some more ram in the future. I'm buying this because I travel a lot and use Adobe and Macromedia applications.

I have no problems with upgrading hard drives, but will that void the warranty?

Right now I'm leaning towards the 100.

 

[mrichmon]

I plan on getting the PB with 1 gig of ram, and possibly buying some more ram in the future. I'm buying this because I travel a lot and use Adobe and Macromedia applications.

I have no problems with upgrading hard drives, but will that void the warranty?

Right now I'm leaning towards the 100.

Yes, a hard drive update will offically void the warranty. However Apple has tended to be fairly reasonable with this sort of thing... in my experience, which is supported by various internet reports, if you perform a competent upgrade (ie you do not break things in the process) then they will honour the warranty on other parts of the system. After all, there is nothing special that a certified Apple tech does when you pay them to upgrade the hard drive. Also, a HD upgrade is typically done sometime after the first 12 months.

Also, as a heads up, opening an Aluminium Powerbook is a complex process that takes some care. It is not difficult, but you need to take your time and be patient.

 

[Alone2Gether]

I also went with the 7200rpm. Maxtor 250GB is also on the way.