Laptop hard drive halp

Asiina

So I discovered while cleaning my laptop that there is a spot for a second hard drive. Since I am constantly running out of space this may be a good idea. However, I have literally no idea how to do this.

Dell suggests these but I don't really know the difference between them and why some are more expensive than others. Can I just get any laptop hard drive or are there types? I imagine I don't need to actually buy from Dell, so where should I buy such things?

What other things will I need to buy to install it?. I know I'll need to get some tiny screws, but there is a protective case on the one I have. Will the one I buy come with that or do I need to get that separately?

And after I buy this, how do I go about installing it? Do I just plug it in and it's good to go?

Basically...halp!

illig

i like buying my electronics from Newegg, and I believe they also have a Canadian storefront... you'll need to buy the drive and then buy a hard drive caddy designed for your laptop.... these can be expensive from the OEM (Dell), so check ebay 1st:

quick search shows the following:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Inspiron-1720-1721-Hard-Drive-Caddy-FP444_W0QQitemZ110443977253QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b6f95a25

but make sure that's the correct one before buying.

If you haven't done this before, search out an installation walkthrough. Dell should have one, but they often appear on other sites such as here:
http://newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=page&id=6&chapter=0

Some thoughts on the HD:
1. A 7200 RPM drive will be faster than a 5400 RPM drive, but will also consume more power (and will be louder).

2. Typically, the more cache on the drive the better (16MB tends to be the norm)

m4v1s

It looks like that model requires a caddy (or sled) for the hard drive, which you will have to purchase from dell or http://newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=144

Any 2.5in SATA HDD will mount in that caddy and can then be installed in your laptop. You can get one from Dell, who have quite reasonable prices, or from a site like http://newegg.ca

newmodeus.com has a good DIY for installing the drive in the sled and then into the laptop
http://newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=page&id=6&chapter=0

WD Scorpio Blue w/8mb cache
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136197

WD Scorpio Black w/16mb cache
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136280

Unnamed 7200RPM w/16mb cache from Dell
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/System_Drives/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=341-9337&mfgpid=190454


Basically what illig said...

Trillian

I find www.ncix.com to have excellent prices and excellent service if you're on canadian soil