User replacing the HD - still unsupported?

[bLiss]

Was just looking into these iMacs thinking I could get the SSD/HD option and replace with my own HD, but then I read the news from May saying Apple made this fail the hardware test.

Did a solution come about since then? Ridiculous to see that they made the upgrade so difficult/impossible and then the Seagates that they sent out with those machines just got recalled!

 

[WiiDSmoker]

I think it's replaceable, but you pretty much have to go to hell and back to get it done.

 

[gnagy]

Was just looking into these iMacs thinking I could get the SSD/HD option and replace with my own HD, but then I read the news from May saying Apple made this fail the hardware test.

Did a solution come about since then? Ridiculous to see that they made the upgrade so difficult/impossible and then the Seagates that they sent out with those machines just got recalled!

It's possible to replace the hard drive, but it's NOT easy. Take a look at the steps:
http://blog.chargedpc.com/2011/05/2011-imac-ssd-install-guide.html#more

If you want to replace the hard drive, you are much better off getting a Macbook Pro or a Mac Pro and a 27" cinema display. Yes, it's more expensive, but replacing the hard drive is a quite a bit easier.

 

[bLiss]

Holy crap, to hell and back, you guys aren't kidding.

Thanks for the updates.

 

[robgendreau]

Yeah, considering that the hard drive is a part of the machine prone to failure, and upgrade, this is indeed silly. I replaced mine on a 2010 27" and it was pretty easy for a careful person, but now it's harder to find drives that comply.

Pity.

Rob