jlhopes

I'm weighing the option of an i5 2.53 gHz (instead of 2.4 gHz) processor, or getting a 7200 rpm hard drive instead of 5400. I can't really afford to do both.

Where will the difference be more noticeable? Will the faster HD cut down on battery life?

monokitty

The processor will make the bigger difference. That being said, the hard drive can be upgraded later, whereas the processor cannot. For this reason alone, go with the 2.53 i5 trim. A faster hard drive does impact battery life to some degree - but honestly, not by much, if even by any real notable level.

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ACMT
Mac mini (Mid 2011) 2.7 GHz i7, 8GB RAM, Crucial M4 256GB SSD + 500GB + 1TB FW800 OWC Mercury Elite Pro mini
iPhone 4S • iPod nano 8GB • Sound System Audio Engine A2 • Display UltraSharp U2412M 24"

broad

i found the additional noise. heat and vibration to be more annoying than the small battery life hit when i upgraded to a 7200rpm

i went back to a 5400 after about 48 hours.

TPCM

noise and vibration? heat?. Ive been using 7200RPM drives since my iBook G3. Mind you the same drive (80gb). And i find it about the same. I think it all depends on which model of drive you get.

-TPCM