Simple question really. I've worked on (both software side and hardware) PC's for years now, so I understand how things roll. I've not yet opened up a laptop yet, so I have nothing to compare what I'm seeing in the Dell I'm trying to repair to. Are laptop hard drives the same size and configuration physically (excluding ide, firewire, ect connections). Basically I need to know if there's a specific thing I need to look for to replace this hard drive, or if any drive built for laptops will fit the bill?
2007-12-27 09:36:08 · 8 answers · asked by Lunatic 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
Sorry about that, it's a Dell Inspirion 100 I believe (yes, I know, ancient. it's being given to a kid as a first computer.)
And I know the laptop drive is smaller than a PC hard drive.. was looking at weither or not I need to find something specific when looking for laptop hard drives.
2007-12-27 10:02:43 · update #1
They are the same but diffrerent.
You will have to determine if you have IDE or SATA on your hands.
The IDE drive looks the same as a standard IDE drive except that is does not have a Molex connector, and instead has a few extra pins right along side the data pins. The pins themselves are smaller and more compact, but basically you are dealing with a small IDE drive in all other respects.
With SATA I think the operation is even simpler, but I have yet to open a SATA laptop. One thing to note. Many laptops have some kind of adapter connected to the end of the drive before it gets to the board. This is very likely unique to the machine, so make sure you keep anything stuck on the end of the old drive for the new one.
2007-12-27 09:47:41 · answer #1 · answered by Liz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the Dell website to see what type of drive they offer as a replacement. You'll probably be looking for an ATA6 or an ATA150.
Try adding the type of computer you have here and someone might look it up.
2007-12-27 09:42:54 · answer #2 · answered by Bumblebee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
laptop Hd are smaller and more compact
and depending on the brand of laptop you have, many will only use what brand came out in them, so if you are wanting to put larger one say from 80g up to 160 and its a Dell then chances are you will have to stay will dell products
some laptops will let you use off brand but you need to call company to find out first
on laptop, HD, memory are easy to change as long as you make sure that the laptop isn't one that prefers only its name brand products
2007-12-27 09:44:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only difference is the thickness. Some earlier high capacity drives are thicker than current slimline drives and won't fit in some drive bays.
2007-12-27 09:40:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A great web sight to look at is www.newegg.com... Hard drives for lap tops are smaller than the home base systems...
2007-12-27 09:40:38 · answer #5 · answered by hotutchic 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Different size (they're smaller) but they run on the same IO systems (IDE, SATA, etc).
2007-12-27 09:39:23 · answer #6 · answered by umbro69_98 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try user's guide/upgrading
2007-12-27 09:39:35 · answer #7 · answered by mitch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are smaller
2007-12-27 09:51:55 · answer #8 · answered by paudashlake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋