[EdipisReks]

i have been looking at 7200 RPM laptop hard drives and i'm interested in putting one in my 1.5 GHz 15" PowerBook. i know that, unlike the TiBooks, the AlBooks don't have "user replaceable" hard drives. while i'm sure i could handle the installation of a new one, i would like to have it installed without voiding my apple care. it is my understanding that an Apple Authorized service provider can do this without voiding AppleCare. will Apple themselves swap out the drive? also, if i go to an authorized provider, are there any steps i should take to make sure my AppleCare is not voided? thanks.

[mrmister]

If it is done at an Apple Authorized place, it will not void the warranty, and if they know what they're doing they should be able to do it onsite.

[EdipisReks]

any idea what it would cost for the installation, normally? i couldn't imagine it being more than $30.

[SEkker]

I just had it done here in Minneapolis on a revA PB17. They charged me $40 for just the HD swap. If I wanted them to transfer the data (clone it, etc), it was another $30+.

[EdipisReks]

$40 is more or less reasonable. did they add the replacement to your applecare record, or would you have to show the receipt if you had regular warranty work done?

[SEkker]

I asked -- they did not add anything to the Apple Care record. I made sure I had a complete copy of the 'upgrade' for my files, in case Apple Care has any questions in the future.