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Replacing 2.5" Hard Drive in my Powerbook 15" .. Need some advice first.

chrismccorkle

chrismccorkle

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 13, 2006
116
0
Well, the hdd in my powerbook has finally died. Won't be recognized in disk utility, and when it was, it wouldn't repair or even verify. I kept getting the invalid node structure error. My AppleCare subscription has also expired about 2 months ago.

So, I went online and found the following web site about opening up the Powerbook 15" (Aluminum) and how to go about replacing things in it:

http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/PB_G4_15_AL_takeapart/AL_PB_G4_take-apart.html#storytop

Then, I went to tiger direct and found this hard drive to put in it:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1870093&CatId=2342


What do you guys think? Is it really worth it?

What hard drive do you recommend I use?

Is this better than going and getting it done?
 
Installing in the Powerbook isn't too bad if you take it slow, get the right screwdrivers, and pay close attention to where all the parts go.

That linked drive is a 4200 RPM unit, which is as slow as they come. Splurge a bit and get a 5400 RPM IDE 2.5" drive -- it will make a big difference to the machine's performance. A 7200 RPM drive is more expensive, and less of an improvement over the 5400 than the 5400 is over the 4200, so save your money unless you are doing digital audio or video in a serious way.

Make sure you are getting a new drive with full manufacturer's warranty in writing (3 years onb most, 5 years on Seagate Momentus drives)
 
Alright, so you recommend Seagate? I'm not sure about what would work and what wouldn't. I assume most hard drives would work... but I need some recommendations. I have been doing my research and have decided to stay on the safe side and replace the old Fujitsu hard drive with another.

I would like to upgrade to 5400rpm and would like to stay under the $200 price range.
 
Replace it yourself. I just did it for the first time a few weeks ago.

My advice:
Go to ifixit.com guide and print it out.

get the right screw drivers.You'll need:
Flat-Head Screwdriver
#0 Phillips Screwdriver
T6 Torx Screwdriver

**keep the parts and screws in order when you take them out so that you can put it back together in the right order. Tiny screws all look similar so be careful.

Last bit of advice: Be VERY careful not to strip the screws.

Good luck and go for the 5400 drive. Its not that much more expensive!
 
njmac said:
get the right screw drivers.You'll need:
Flat-Head Screwdriver
#0 Phillips Screwdriver
T6 Torx Screwdriver
Click to expand...


Oh man now I gotta go get those! I have the top 2... Just need that T6.

I'm still looking for good prices on hard drives.
 
I wouldn't really consider Fujitsu as staying on the safe side. Your powerbook just came with that, but it doesn't care what you put in it as long as it is a model that will fit.

My powerbook came with a Toshiba and I replaced it with a $149.99 Seagate momentus 5400 RPM, 100 GB, with 5 year warranty. It is QUIET! and fast and I'm so happy with it. Happier than the stock Toshiba.

THESE will all work in your powerbook (except on the top of the page the intel one's)

EDIT: yeah, I had to buy a T6 also. It was $6.00 at home depot and came with 5 different sizes including the 6.
 
Awesome! Thank you very much. I think I will jump for the 100gb... I have an external 250gb and another 200gb. Actually, I think I will stay at 80. I'm looking to eventually sell this laptop and upgrade within the end of the year anyway.
 
You can get this 80.0GB Fujitsu 5400RPM 8MB Cache 9.5mm SuperSlim. 3yr Fujitsu Warranty for $106.00
 
alright, i went ahead and bought that 120gb hard drive... now for the screwdrivers. :eek:
 
chrismccorkle said:
Well, the hdd in my powerbook has finally died. Won't be recognized in disk utility, and when it was, it wouldn't repair or even verify. I kept getting the invalid node structure error. My AppleCare subscription has also expired about 2 months ago.

So, I went online and found the following web site about opening up the Powerbook 15" (Aluminum) and how to go about replacing things in it:

http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/PB_G4_15_AL_takeapart/AL_PB_G4_take-apart.html#storytop

Then, I went to tiger direct and found this hard drive to put in it:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1870093&CatId=2342


What do you guys think? Is it really worth it?

What hard drive do you recommend I use?

Is this better than going and getting it done?
Click to expand...

I completely agree with the posters above... Don't get a 4200RPM drive - it is glacially slow and you will feel it. Get a 5400RPM drive at least.
As for replacing it, the screws are the easy part.
The hard part on a 15' Powerbook are the stupid latches that you have to reach through the DVD drive slot. You have to be extremely cautious at that point. When I was upgrading mine, I ended up with quite a visible scratch in the region of the DVD drive, and I was quite unhappy. I suggest you use only some kind of plastic tool for this stage, not a screwdriver or anything made of metal.
 
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