[scattered]

I've had it for about two years, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was nearing death

I have Applecare, but I also have a time issue (end of the semester coming up, would rather take it in sooner than later). What's the burden of proof Apple will demand of me if I want to get the hard drive replaced? Does it actually have to have crashed, fail a SMART test, or can I just get it to make weird noise for them?

[mduell]

What are the SMART parameters at? Are any of them rapidly changing?

SMART is only good for predicting about two thirds of drive failures, but it's still a decent tool.

[k squared]

You have a recent back up, right?

[scattered]

How do I check the SMART parameters? I have DiskWarrior set to run a SMART test every hour, but it has yet to set off an alarm.

And yes, I have everything backed up.

[amazing]

Get SmartReporter from versiontracker.com. It sits in your menubar and checks the smart status.

And, since you've got the MB, get yourself an external portable SATA HD (like the Passport), where you'll clone the internal drive regularly, and copy updated docs every day (and your email database. Cloning = bootable.) If your internal HD fails, replacing the MB HD is a user serviceable item. You can be up and running again in 10 minutes. If the internal HD fails during end-of-semester, you'll be minimally inconvenienced. After the semester is over, transfer the dead HD back in, and have Apple replace it. Most Apple stores would probably do it in-house??