Western Digital 320 GB Scorpio Black SATA 7200 RPM 16 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Notebook Hard Drive WD3200BEKT

Comment: I purchased a Scorpio Black 320GB from Amazon for a Windows 7 64-bit install on a Dell Vostro 1700 laptop. Since the Vostro supports dual drives, I kept the original 160GB in the machine with Vista (which never had any trouble) and was using the new drive to test Win 7. The Scorpio seemed to work well for a few days, but then Win 7 64-bit had data corruption issues. Thinking it may be a 64-bit driver issue on the Vostro, I rebuilt the machine with 32-bit Win 7. This installation also lasted for a few days until Windows 7 had data corruption problems and then refused to boot. Fortunately, I had made an image right after Win 7 and apps were installed on the Scorpio. I then made an image of Vista from the 160GB for my records and restored the Win 7 32-bit image to the 160GB drive to see if it was a Win 7/Vostro problem. Win 7 has run flawlessly on the old 160GB ever since. I force a CHKDSK every couple of days just to see if it is having data corruption problems like the Scorpio, but no issues. On two occasions I have cloned the Win 7 installation from the 160GB back to the Scorpio 320 and both died in a matter of hours. The Scorpio makes a loud chirp/squeal and then the OS freezes. I ran diagnostics on the drive early on and it did not find anything wrong with the media, but there is something happening with this drive.

I don't have time to mess with this drive any longer so I just ordered a new Hitachi 320GB to take its place. I'll see if I can get some satisfaction out of Western Digital on the Scorpio. I've used WD products in the past and never had any problems, but sadly, that was not the case with this drive.

Comment: I looked around for the best HDD for my old (2006) 13" Macbook. I vascillated between 7200 and 5400. Additional speed versus size. I am glad I made this choice. Much snappier bootups, as quiet as OEM. Doesn't seem to affect battery life. It does run warm, but so did the OEM Hitachi.

This was a snap to install, you could do it with your feet, it's that easy. Upgrade your RAM at the same time, and you'll have a new MAC.

Comment: This is a very good drive. It's fast and runs relatively cool. However it is extremely noisy. In my early 2009 macbook I can feel the vibration constantly. When placed on a desk I can feel the vibration on the other side of the desk. Not to mention constant whirring noise. It drove me insane. My old Dell XPS was loud but not as loud as this. Maybe i am just used to very quite operation of 160gb 5400 rpm drive that came with my macbook. Or perhaps the unibody construction of the macbook is amplifying the vibration as I don't see many reviews complaining of the noise. I've return the drive and got Hitachi Travelstar 320gb 7200rpm. It is a world of difference. just as fast, just as cool, and much much quieter. I highly recommend Hitachi over the WD.

Comment: I made the switch from PC to a new Macbook Pro 13 unibody about 5 months ago. My general experience has been very good and I don't think I'm ever going back. Anyway, I bought the 2.26 GHz and upgraded to 4GB and a Scorpio Blue.
After some time of heavy use, many many programs installed including Parallels Desktop with a couple of virtual machines, my MBP started to feel a little sluggish.

I decided to upgrade to the 2.54 GHz model with 4GB and went ahead and bought a Scorpio Black this time. Did the transfer to my new machine (WOW! when I used to change PC's it took me a week of tinkering... this took a little over an hour with a firewire 800 cable).

The difference with my previous setup is huge. Of course I played with two variables simultaneously, the faster processor and the faster hard drive, but I couldn't be happier. My machine is super responsive and everything loads in a fraction of the time. Working with the virtual Windows machine is completely transparent. It doesn't even feel it.

My biggest concern was the noise some of the reviewers complained about. I can tell you, this thing is SILENT! No white noise, no nose of ANY kind. If this is stopping you, don't worry. Go ahead and take the plunge, drop me a thank you note later.

Comment: After my factory installed 200 gig 5400rpm HD died (less then 3 years) in my MacBook Pro i read the reviews on Amazon regarding this HD and was sold. It arrived very quickly and i installed it easily with Snow Leopard. I instantly notice how much faster it was then the 5400 (of course). My machine works flawlessly even better then before. I would highly recommend this HD. I considered a solid state HD but the price difference was way to much. I don't regret it 1 bit.