mltk53

hi guys..i have a Toshiba 60gb, 5400rpm, 16mb buffer in my dell laptop. For the longest time wenever i move my laptop around, even juss the position, i would hear some hmming noise, and starting about 4 days ago my hdd would make some horrible disturbing noise as if disc was spinning and hitting the edge or something. and since last night, my laptop would have a Hard time starting up and soon, i see this laptop dying on me. so i want to buy a new hdd for my laptop, unless u guys can help me out. i personally never have approached this kind of problem before or even heard of it.

and i have another question, if i have to go and buy a new hdd..what kind should i get? i like the size(60gb), and i want to go with a 7200rpm..but what does the xxmb buffer mean? is it good to have a higher mb buffer or a lower?and what brand is good? i want a brand that'll last me a long time, as toshiba failed on me. PLZ Help! it's urgent. i might go get the hdd later today or early tomorrow. =]

fade2green514

#1 i'd get an external and back up all your files immediately. (i use dvds, theyre cheaper..)
#2 it may not be damaged... thats why you ought to back everything up in case it does fail. then if it fails, we'll help you pick out a new laptop drive..
#3 when it comes to laptops, you wouldn't want a 7200rpm hard drive because it uses up the juice too quick... lowering battery life.. and 8mb buffer at least, 16mb if you can get it. definitely not 2mb. also, check to see if its sata or ide.. the interface is what makes the hard drive compatible with the motherboard, wouldn't want to spend money on something you couldnt use!
#4 check to see if its under warranty, you can avoid the whole fiasco with a warranty... but you may end up waiting longer.

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