[xylon]

So, the drive in my 17" 1Ghz PowerSlab has failed (S.M.A.R.T. kind of missed this one) and I need to get a new drive posthaste. I've searched through this forum and read up on everyone's reviews of manufacturers and have decided to go with a Seagate Momentus drive. But the question becomes:

Should I get a 5400.2 or 5400.3 drive?

I'd love a 5400.3 160GB drive, but $335.08 (provantage.com) is pretty much right at my max willingness to pay. I'd like to get my hard driveless mitts on the 5400.3 80GB drive, but everyone (froogle search) seems to be out.

So, again, should I just get a 5400.2 drive instead? Articles (bigbruin.com) I've read seem to suggest that the technical advances of the 5400.3 are worth the extra cash, but I'm just not sure I can fork over $335 for a computer I may (or may not) be retiring soon. Sigh, decisions decisions decisions.

Any insight you guys may have is much appreciated. Cheers!

(It has been a really long time since I've posted on MacNN. Sheesh.)

[atc ben]

I'd say if you're planning on retiring the computer soon, get the 5400.2. If you think you're gonna keep the computer around for awhile longer, get the 160GB 5400.3.