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motlatsi · Jun 1, 2006, 12:27 PM

I've had my ibook 600 mhz since beginning of '02, and its been everywhere with me from france to canada, and high school to college. About 5 months ago, the hard drive began click, as if the head was getting stuck. When this happens, it freezes for a minute, and if it doesn't let up, then I have to do a hard shut down and restart.

The problem went away after taking a dive off a desktop, but now the sound is back, and I think it's here with a vengeance.

I'm getting a new macbook pro, but the ibook is still in good condition, aside from the dying drive. I'm wondering what it would take to replace the hd, and if it is worth the money.

Thanks.

harrisjamieh · Jun 1, 2006, 12:32 PM

Well you wouldn't have to spend that much to get, say, a 40 GB drive for it, and if you still have a use for it once you get your MBP, then sure, by all means get a new HD. Its quite difficult to install, mind, as it requires the majority of the laptop to be taken apart, so bear that in mind - though I guess its better to break it trying to fix it than just leaving it and not bothering to do anything with it

motlatsi · Jun 2, 2006, 11:55 AM

How would be the best way about getting a replacement drive? Ebay? Newegg?

Hi I'm Ben · Jun 2, 2006, 12:07 PM

I'd just buy a cheap drive off newegg. Or quote me a price to take it off your hands

. I've decided to build something out of my current iBooks. Not sure yet.

eltrut · Jun 2, 2006, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by jlit

I'm wondering what it would take to replace the hd, and if it is worth the money.

As harrisjamieh, disassembling the iBook is not trivial. Make sure you know what you're doing.

Is the HD dead already, or about to die ? How do you know it's gonna die ?

icruise · Jun 2, 2006, 08:41 PM

One other option, if you're unsure about opening up the computer to get at the hard disk, is to just run it off of an external firewire hard drive. Of course, you lose some portability, but if you're just using it at a table or something, it could work. But I would certainly do *something* with it. Either that, or sell it on Ebay and make sure you make its current condition clear. A lot of people would be interested in buying and replacing the drive themselves.

motlatsi · Jun 3, 2006, 02:32 AM

If I were to sell it on ebay, how much could I ask? If I were to replace the hard drive, then sell it, how much could I ask for it fully working?

-Thanks

Gamoe · Jun 3, 2006, 05:26 AM

jlit,

It'll cost you just a penny shy of $60 to get a brand new 40GB drive in there, including shipping. As long as you find it worthwhile to have the iBook around and are willing to spend a few hours (if you're new at it) taking it apart to do it yourself, then go for it.

mavherzog · Jun 3, 2006, 07:36 AM

I say go for it. Taking it apart is not difficult, just time-consuming and annoying. As long as you follow directions and keep track of your screws, you shouldn't have any issues.

eltrut · Jun 3, 2006, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by Gabriel Morales

taking it apart

That's a great guide.

Don't forget, you'd also need the tools. If you don't have em, they might add to your cost.

RobOnTheCape · Jun 3, 2006, 03:03 PM

I went to "ifixit" and downloaded the screw sheet and went pic by pic disassembling my 12' ibook. I'm not a techie by any stretch, but found it easy as can be, besides prying the white outer casing off.

I found a Seagate 5400 60 gig on clearance at Best Buy for $60.00, and am amazed at the difference between the original 4200(?) rpm and this new one. I definitely now see how the rpms of the drive are as important as the amount of ram etc...

Swap it out, but defintely find one faster than the original.

Good luck

eltrut · Jun 3, 2006, 09:07 PM

Yes, the difference between 4200 and 5400, or even 7200 is amazing. I use an external FW HD with a 7200 Seagate as my primary drive for my mini. It's around 80% faster than the internal 4200 drive.