[C-Bear]

Been waiting for this one. Here's the link:

http://barefeats.com/hard34.html

Essentially and predictably, a 7200 beats the 5400, the 5400 beats the 4200. The guys at Bare Feats basically end up suggesting that buyers opt for the cheapest 4200 60GB HD option and putting the money saved towards a 7200 swap.

No glaring differences in battery, heat or noise reported, either, though they admit that this is a subjective observation as they lack the proper tools to objectively test.

It would be greatly appreciated if someone who understands this stuff could translate the implications of these tests for the average user. For instance, ignoring the 7200 option, is the announced 21% speed improvement in the 5400 over the 4200 a valuable upgrade for typical realworld use? Is it worth the $125 (Bare Feats seems to think not)? What, in layman's terms,are the knowledgeable opinions regarding these choices?

Too, that standard Fujitsu 4200 80GB is still being listed as having a 2MB cache, not an 8MB one as some have asserted. Anyone know correct specs?

Thoughts and opinions please.

[vancenase]

the new PBs can ship with at HITACHI 80GB TRAVELSTAR 80GN (part Hitachi IC25N080ATMR04-0)

which has an 8MB buffer & 4200

[nagromme]

21% is good to know, even though that will vary hugely from situation to situation. I'll probably get the 5400 for $125 if I get a 17", but I bet most people would be better served putting the money into RAM or software or pizza.

Barefeats ought to mention, though, that self-upgrading the HD in an AlBook is not a simple thing, and will void your warranty! So I think they may be giving bad advice.

[wavegroom]

Barefeats ought to mention, though, that self-upgrading the HD in an AlBook is not a simple thing, and will void your warranty! So I think they may be giving bad advice. [/B]

They should really mention it on there site, it is not like in the old days were drive swapping is a user installation and doesn't voids your warranty.

My order is with a 5400 Drive and a friend has a order with the stock one. So I can make some real world tests soon. (I hope very soon )

[Bruck]

I think that the factory installed faster drive is worth my money, since installing that 72k drive will void my warrenty and apple care. I dont think its worth that trade off, plus doing it myself etc...

[macbum]

barefeats sucks with its tabloid benchmarks.
He's nearly always the first with benchmarks but the tests and accompanying infomation is all done in a very sloppy manner.
(rant off)

[nobitacu]

I love hds that has 7200 rpm as well as the 8mb buffer... you can't beat having those! Whish that they have one to put in the Powerbooks... also at least a 80 gig hd, or even the 120 gig (I wish) I would buy it in a hurry.

Ming

[dennis88]

I'm glad I bought the 80gb 5400rpm drive.

[C-Bear]

Based on these tests, I'm still wondering if the speed increase of the 5400 translates to noticeable realworld improvement over the 4200.

Can anyone comment?