[tavilach]

I was trying to unscrew the RAM cover on the backside of my PowerBook, and I just realized that the screwdriver I was using had a decently powerful magnet inside it to secure the bit, and therefore that decently powerful magnet must have been only an inch away from the hard drive, if not closer...

Could I have done permanent damage to it? Is there any way to check?

[SSharon]

It is highly unlikely that you did any damage. If I remember correctly, and I read this here somewhere, the magnet inside the HD is much much more powerful than anything you can find in a store and will not be affected at all. If it still spins up I say its ok. I wish I had some numbers to back me up, but that would mean a search for me and that would mean finishing the essay I am writing later, and its late enough. Basically, don't worry.

[audvidsvs]

I would agree that you probably were OK.
On the other hand I NEVER use a magnet near a hard drive if I can remember.

How could it possibly be worth it?

[jpg71]

Your magnet would have to be ridiculously strong to cause any data loss on the hard drive. The drive itself contains a stronger magnet than what you'd normally have laying around and the platters aren't easily affected by general purpose magnets.

No worries.

[c0balt]

The laptop is also shielded pretty well...so I wouldn't worry.