Hard Drive Upgrade on the Cheap?

[paramount]

I know the 7200 rpm Hitachi drives come highly recommended, but what is the best hard disk upgrade for someone who wants to spend $50 or less on a new hard disk? I have a T23 with the original 20 GB very loud 4200 rpm drive. I want something quiet, doesn't need to be huge (40 GB is probably enough), and it would be nice if it were faster. There are a bunch of 5400 rpm ATA-6 choices for $50-60 on NewEgg.com. How would I choose one of these, and if I'm looking on Ebay is there anything to look for (or to avoid)? As for fit, am I ok if I stick with a 9.5 mm drive, or are there other fit issues? Thanks for the help.

[makai]

Keep in mind that a 7200rpm drive may have more vibration... something you'll actually feel when the drive is spinning. This was my experience, anyways, so I only run 5400rpm drives for that very reason. I don't mind waiting a few more miliseconds to launch my apps.

Almost any 5400rpm ATA-6 drive on newegg will be fine. I personally like Fujitsu drives for their lower power consumption, but WD and Seagate are also good. It all depends on what manufacture you trust.

On ebay, you have to be careful. While you might get away cheap, returning something to an ebay vendor can be a nightmare you wouldn't have with newegg.

You also might want to place a WTB (want to buy) post in the Marketplace forum. There are a lot of people who upgraded their drives and you might be able to buy one from a member here.

[mgo]

for $50-60 on NewEgg.com. How would I choose one of these, and if I'm looking on Ebay is there anything to look for (or to avoid)? As for fit, am I ok if I stick with a 9.5 mm drive, or are there other fit issues? Thanks for the help.

Try Techforless.com for some open box & refurbs that are smaller and reasonably priced. I have done business with them, and if there is a problem with your purchase they will replace or refund promptly. Recommended.

[RealBlackStuff]

I agree with mgo.
I particularly like this one: 40GB/5400rpm Seagate with perpendicular recording.
http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/tech ... &mv_pc=448

[Thinkpad-Jay]

I bought a 7200 rpm Hitachi for my T-23. It is great, very quiet, with no added vibration. It definitely is snappier than the old 4200 rpm Hitachi, but the difference is not as big as I thought it would be. I think that some of the newer 5400 rpm models are probably almost as good, and they are definitely easier to find and buy.