Installing Hard Drive on MacBook

[Mac Sami]

I'm looking to replace the 60gb hard drive with a larger capacity drive. I guess it's a standard 2.5" SATA, but does anyone know the capacity limit on the MacBook?

Thanks.

[Ger]

As far as I know, there is no capacity limit. Just make sure its a 9.5mm height 2.5" drive (there are large capacity 2.5" drives out there that physically higer and won't fit inside the MB).

[Mac Sami]

Thanks - I've done some more research, as I was also looking for a compatible bluetooth mouse, and http://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store/m...p?name=macbook contains some useful information on which upgrades will work (I've not used them to buy anything, just posting the link as information).

[Hitby]

I replaced mine with a 200gb drive - instructions here

[milkmanchris]

Originally Posted by Mac Sami

Thanks - I've done some more research, as I was also looking for a compatible bluetooth mouse, and http://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store/m...p?name=macbook contains some useful information on which upgrades will work (I've not used them to buy anything, just posting the link as information).

Re macupgrades

They installed a new HDD in my powerbook for me last year and did a very good job, I sent it to them as the instructions for taking the thing apart looked a little daunting.

Very quick reliable service, would deffo reccomend them.

[Ger]

Further developments in the 2.5" HDD business for anyone who's interested

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/2007/0...oint5inch_hdd/

[Mac Sami]

Thanks guys, help is much appreciated. Will go for a 160gb or 200gb drive I think, prices seem quite reasonable for storage these days.

[Mac Sami]

I'd like to revisit this HDD upgrade option, and more generally my computer usage.

Desktop PC:
Athlon 2400XP (or something) / 1GB RAM / ~ 650GB / DVDRW / 6600GT graphics.
I use it for work (Windows programming, web development) and occasional game play (GTA San Andreas etc, nothing too new in the games market!).

Media PC:
Core 2 Duo 1.83ghz / 1GB RAM / 500GB / DVDRW / TV Tuner / 8500GT graphics. Connected to a Samsung 26" 720p LCD.
I use this for watching TV, movies, and playing games (in replacement of my desktop). It has plenty of storage for my movies.

Macbook:
Core 2 Duo 1.83ghz / 2GB RAM / 60GB HDD / DVD/CDRW / Integrated graphics
I use this for work (web development).

Western Digital 160gb 2.5" External HDD:
Backup drive containing my documents, work and music.

Issues:
1. Duplication
Even with the best backup utilities and will in the world, I end up with files scattered around across my desktop, Macbook and backup drive. I wish to simplify this.
2. Age
My desktop PC is nearly 3 years old, but still in good condition. I imagine I could sell it on, or split it for parts (the case could fetch around £100 with PSU, graphics another £40ish, hard drives another £40ish)... giving me money to easily cover the cost of upgrades to my Macbook, and possibly Media PC
3. Space
This isnt' an issue at the moment, but I'm looking to get onto the property ladder and purchase a flat (I currently rent). Looking ahead to this, my media PC / TV etc will happily sit in the corner of the living room, but given that most new build flats are pretty small, I think a desktop PC in my bedroom would be a bit too big. Using my Macbook reclaims some of that space.

Solutions:
1. Ditch the Desktop, Move to the MacBook
No doubt an excellent suggestion that many people will be pleased to hear me say! This solves the duplication and age issues, leaving all of my files on my Macbook and External HDD only. My Media PC will store all of my movies and music, and be used solely for entertainment.
2. Bootcamp?
As mentioned, I still need to do Windows development. As I will have a valid Windows XP Pro license from my desktop, I would like to bootcamp my Macbook so I can run either a Windows or Mac environment. The Windows environment would be used purely for Windows development (.NET etc), but also gives me the flexibility of having XP Pro, should I need it (in fairness, every other app has a decent Mac equivalent).
3. Upgrade MacBook HDD
60gb is not enough storage for me, I do a lot of Illustrator and Photoshop based work, and these files can come to around 100MB each. Plus if I want to Bootcamp my Macbook, I think a larger HDD is essential.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a very quiet, 5400RPM, 120gb+ internal HDD for the Macbook?

4. Macbook Dock
I would like to utilise my 19" Dell TFT that I have with my Macbook. I have already purchased a DVI converter, but notice that you can get a Macbook dock.

Would a dock be suitable for me to plug my Macbook in with the lid closed, and utilise my TFT, keyboard and Logitech MX Revolution mouse?
And where can I get this dock from? They seem to be difficult to obtain, something about them being made in the USA?

Sorry for the huuuuuge post, just thought I would present my ideas and see if they're feasible!

[Ger]

Originally Posted by Mac Sami

Does anyone have any recommendations for a very quiet, 5400RPM, 120gb+ internal HDD for the Macbook?

Komplett have the Samsung SpinPoint M5S 250GB 5400RPM SATA 2,5" for €130/£85. Has come down in price recently. It gets a good write up by Tom's Hardware too (can't find the link). I am just ordering it now for my MB.

[Ger]

Just looking for a good enclosure for the HDD I'll be taking out of the MB. Will this one do? http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=333523