I've had two of these drives fail on me within a month.

They start buzzing well copying large chunks of data, and eventually conk out.

Never had a problem with a WD drive, just wondering if anyone else has had any issues similar with similar drives.

Could just be bad luck; or could be a bad run of drives. Getting another drive today.

Im using a 2008 MacBook Pro.

Posting this from my G3 Pismo.

Sure not normal and of the two users I know of that installed the WD Scorpio 500 Black in their MBPro some years ago, they're still working fine.

Yah - that sounds like a troubled drive. WD's replacement program is quick and easy though. They can even send you a new drive before you send the defunct one back.