A22e HD bad sectors and other problems

[charlesayer]

Hello...

1) I have a refurb A22e (2655) that has recently developed bad sectors. I hear that repartitioning and reinstalling Windows may "reamp" the bad sectors and I might be okay. Anybody have an idea how likely this is to work? It's a hassle to get the backup disk (long story) and I have been thinking about getting a bigger hard drive anyway. Also, could leaving the computer on with the lid closed until the battery dies cause the sectors to go bad? A friend at work said it's possible. Do I really need to be that delicate with the 'Pad in the future?

2) If I DO need a new hard drive, should I replace it myself? I hear it's a delicate operation.

3) The keyboard sometimes (2-3x month) freezes up and I can't type until I reboot. Anybody else have this happen, and any idea why?

4) Should I just get a generic hard drive off pricewatch or does brand name matter? For that matter, if and when I get a new laptop, do you think brand makes that much difference? Thinkpads seem a little overpriced and I am wondering if they are worth the money, I mean are the components really that much better? Visiting this discussion board makes me kinda wonder.

Thanks

[jdhurst]

In my experience, ThinkPads are good machines - as good or better than other laptops. I had an A22e with Windows 2000, and sold it to move up to XP Pro. That A22e remains in service today without problems. I purchased an A22e for my daughter when she was in University. That A22e remains in service without problems (it did need a mini PCI NIC card under warranty).

If you are going to replace your hard drive anyway, see if the BIOS (latest version) will support the Hitachi Travelstar 60Gb 7200-rpm drive. That is a good drive and the speed will make your A22e work faster.
... jdhurst