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Keda · Apr 11, 2004, 04:50 PM

I bought an iBook for my mom when they first came out, but 3GBs just isn't enough HD space anymore. I found a drive on OWC, but how hard is it to upgrade these internal HDs on the original iBook?

TIA

Keda · Apr 12, 2004, 08:31 AM

Luca Rescigno · Apr 12, 2004, 08:40 AM

From what I've heard, very difficult. You might be able to find some help at XLR8YourMac.com if you do some searching. Also, what drive did you get and how much did it cost? OWC is generally pretty good, but a lot of Mac stores sell stuff for a lot more expensive than a generic PC outlet. For interchangeable components like hard drives and RAM that work on both Macs and PCs, you can usually get a better deal from a place that sells PC components, like NewEgg.com.

Keda · Apr 12, 2004, 10:47 AM

Thanks, I'll check that site out.

Right now, I'm looking at this 20GB drive for $95.

http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_It...m=TOSMK2023GAS

jedi2187 · Apr 12, 2004, 11:09 AM

check this site out:
http://caslis.com/mac/ibook/ibdrive.html

Following the steps at this site, I was able to upgrade my blueberry 'Book from 6 gigs to 12 gigs.

Keda · Apr 12, 2004, 12:45 PM

Thanks. Wow, that looks like some work.

I'll have to set aside some time for this one. Recently, I have been overcoming my fear of electrical tinkering. I added power rear vent windows to the back of my M3. I had to rip out the interior, splice into many wires, and tap into the car's 'brain.' After that, I think I can do anything.

Luca Rescigno · Apr 12, 2004, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by Keda:
Thanks, I'll check that site out.

Right now, I'm looking at this 20GB drive for $95.

http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_It...m=TOSMK2023GAS

BZZT. Bad deal. The same money will buy you this:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...018&depa=0

30 GB 4200 RPM drive, $95.

Or spend a little more and get this:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...205&depa=0

40 GB 5400 RPM drive, $113.

A 20 GB laptop drive should cost under $70 nowadays.

rytc · Apr 13, 2004, 05:59 AM

Originally posted by Keda:
Thanks. Wow, that looks like some work.

I'll have to set aside some time for this one. Recently, I have been overcoming my fear of electrical tinkering. I added power rear vent windows to the back of my M3. I had to rip out the interior, splice into many wires, and tap into the car's 'brain.' After that, I think I can do anything.

I upgraded my clamshell from 10 to 40GB late last year, looks difficult from the outset but as long as you glue the screws onto the corresponding pictures (that you printed out from the website

) then it's all pretty plain sailing. In fact I'd have to say that the part I had most difficulty with was getting a torz screwdriver to remove the outer screws from the casing.
Good luck

finboy · Apr 13, 2004, 04:32 PM

Powerbookmedic.com also sells a take-apart file with some additional views. IMO it's worth the fee he charges.

Also, cheap drives (but good) here:

http://www.wegenermedia.com/40gbhdd.htm

RadarBob2 · Apr 14, 2004, 07:27 AM

From what I've heard, very difficult.

Not so - been there done that.

Upgraded my precious a year ago, 40GB IBM travelstar HD - *very quiet* (noise was a big issue on the originals, including mine) and a 512MB memory module - Yes. I said 512MB.
Personally, I'd go the extra mile and get a 40GB vice 20 or 30. Lot's of room is a beautiful thing.

Got both at www.4allmemory.com. You tell 'em your computer model, they tell you what's compatable.

Here I have chronicled my adventures in upgrade land...
http://macdebate.com/eve/ubb.x?q=Y&a...960147&p=1

finboy · Apr 14, 2004, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by RadarBob2:
Not so - been there done that.

Greetings, RadarBob. It's good to see more of the MacDebate folks are getting over here once in a while.

Keda · Apr 14, 2004, 03:47 PM

Excellent!

Those links are helpful.

Are there any hidden snags I should look out for? I'm most concerned about the screen.

iREZ · Apr 14, 2004, 05:48 PM

It would be awesome if you could document your steps as well. Maybe some pictures from different angles. I'm considering this procedure as well but dont know if I should spend the money to cook out a dud. Good luck!

NYCFarmboy · Apr 14, 2004, 11:29 PM

duplicate post (sorry)

NYCFarmboy · 07:23 PM

this won't help your situation, but today I just had a 40 gig installed in my orange ibook... I had Tekserve do it there in NYC.... along with adding a airport cart! (which I didn't know was possible on the clamshells!)

My orange ibook only had 3 gigs..going to 40.. it is of course and entirely different machine and I'll actually get some use out of it again!

Tekserve (http://www.tekserve.com) charged 110 bucks to install the drive and to install the airport card.

They are about 4 blocks from me in NYC so its nice to have Mac experts close by!

Anyhooo..

I installed Panther on it (Tekserve installed all the data on the 3 gig over to the 40...it was running Jaguar sorta ok...but is doing very nice on Panther. It only has 160 megs of ram yet..but for my use that is just fine.

The only thing I didn't realize: You can't install iLife on a clamshell ibook as it gives you this warning that the screen resolution will not support the iLife applications.

but everything else is just fine. Its like having a 'almost' new laptop again!

http://www.nycfarmboy.com/orangeibook.jpg

Here is a pic taken a year ago when I purchased it.. (an ebay purchase that worked out very well).
[edit: That pic is also over 50% wider than allowed for inline images. Please do not post huge inline images, and read the image posting guidelines -- tooki ]

jedi2187 · Apr 15, 2004, 09:34 AM

The original iBook clamshells, I believe, were the first Macs to support Airport, as per the MacExpo back in '99 (the New Golden Age, I call it).
http://www.lowendmac.com/pb2/ibook.shtml

tooki · Apr 15, 2004, 07:21 PM

Yep, the iBooks were Airport's debut.

In any case, upgrading the hard drive is doable, but a pain in the rump.

As for Torx screwdrivers... Sears has a set of Craftsman jeweller's screwdrivers that you'd think was put together with Apple laptops in mind. This thread contains my post which has the Sears part number for the kit.

tooki

RadarBob2 · Apr 16, 2004, 07:02 AM

Are there any hidden snags I should look out for? I'm most concerned about the screen.

Keep *careful* track of your screws. I ended up with one left over. No harm though a year later...

discotronic · Apr 16, 2004, 07:33 AM

Originally posted by RadarBob2:
Keep *careful* track of your screws. I ended up with one left over. No harm though a year later...

When I upgrade mine I had the same problem. From what I hear, the job wasn't done right unless you have one left over

chabig · Apr 16, 2004, 08:21 AM

Print out the screw locator chart from whatever set of directions you use. Then when you remove a screw, tape it to the chart. That serves two purposes:

1) You won't lose the screw
2) You won't forget where it goes.

Chris

bgordon · Apr 21, 2004, 03:02 PM

I did it last year. If you've tinkered inside computers before, I'd say it's definitely doable.

As I recall, one of the toughest parts of the whole procedure was wrasslin' the top palmrest section away from the lower bottom clamshell casing. Took effort, but I eventually got it done. The 5400-rpm drive I put in made a slightly discernable speed difference, which was nice.

- bgordon

iREZ · Aug 25, 2004, 11:07 AM

Any other sites other than the one posted above about how to take the iBook apart. I'm really wanting to upgrade the drive on my 300 blueberry but RAM and Airport are the only upgrade I've ever done with any Mac. If I had two instructions then I could refer to another one if I get stuck anywhere.

Dr.Michael · 07:03 AM

Originally posted by jedi2187:
check this site out:
http://caslis.com/mac/ibook/ibdrive.html

Following the steps at this site, I was able to upgrade my blueberry 'Book from 6 gigs to 12 gigs.

I also did the upgrade following brian caslis instructions (years ago). Its hard but its doable. The instructions are first rate and very detailed.

I recommend a big and fast drive (5400 rpm) because you wouldn't want to do the work a second time.

Good luck,

Michael