If the hard drive in your Macbook computer is beginning to get noisy
, it may be time for a replacement. Here are a few some of your replacement options.
It would seem that there is a problem flaw in the hard drives that were shipped with at least some of the WallStreet PowerBooks because there seems to be numerous complaints from users. Apple has even issued a Technical information library article about the problem that is titled PowerBook, hard drives and noise.
The article states that customers have asked about the hard drives that make noises while they are writing and reading and when they are just at idle but haven't stopped spinning.
The biggest problem that everyone is experiencing is in the latter category, which is probably the result of the motor bearings being worn prematurely.
Apple says that the 2.5" hard drive noise should not be greater that 39dBA in normal operation if measured on the top of the PowerBook. But, if you ask about a repair under warranty at an Apple authorized dealer, you will find that Apple Canada won't replace a hard drive unless it completely failed. The article would seem to indicate that this was wrong. Obviously, there is little doubt that very few Apple dealers have a dBA meter on site.
Apple also says that if the hard drive in the PowerBook might make noise that is over the limits if it has been dropped but abuse isn't covered under the limited hardware warranty.
The problem is that most people who are hearing the noise didn't drop their WallStreet. There is a theory that says that high temperatures generated inside the WallStreets might be breaking down or otherwise degrading the lubricants for the bearings in the hard drives.
But, it isn't only the WallStreets that are affected. For example, there are also consumers reporting that the IBM hard drives are also noisy in the Lombard PowerBooks.
It is difficult to know how to handle this problem. The ideal solution would be for the Apple dealer to replace the hard drive on site and allow you to port your data to the new drive. It is much less desirable to send your PowerBook off to the service facility and possibly not having it for weeks especially if you really need your PowerBook. It might make a lot more sense to just replace the hard drive yourself.