I've got an early 2009 mini. My friend has a early 2009 Macbook. We're both looking for new hard drives.

A 500 GB 7200 rpm drive is super cheap but I am concerned about heat issues in my mini, and heat and vibration issues for my friend's Macbook.

Who out there has installed a 7200 rpm drive in a mini/Macbook and what have your experiences been?

I am thinking about buying a Western Digital Scorpio Black 500GB 2.5IN 7200RPM 16MB for $66.

Many thanks!

I have a 500 GB Seagate Momentus (not XT) in my 17" Mid 2007 MBP. Heat may have gone up a smidgen; didn't really notice any decrease in battery run time. Vibration is about the same as the older drive (Apple stock 250GB 5400RPM). The shock mount washers should damp out the vibrations on most drives, I would think.

I have a 500GB WD Scorpio Blue in an external Firewire/USB case. Its really quiet and vibration free, too.

Can't comment on the Mini and any potential heat issues; I don't have a Mini.

Kostas

The 7200RPM will give you a nice speed boost. No heat issue in the Mini or MB - I've had 7200RPM drives even in a RevA Intel Mini. There might be a negligible battery life impact on the MB though - the 7200RPM drive sucks more juice than a 5400rpm one.

You'd get *more* bang for your buck with an SDD or at least Momentus XT Hybrid drive. the 500GB Momentus XT is only around $110 these days. Just a thought.

You'd get *more* bang for your buck with an SDD or at least Momentus XT Hybrid drive. the 500GB Momentus XT is only around $110 these days. Just a thought.

Excellent suggestion! I just realized that I have a perfectly good 5400 rpm 500 GB drive sitting in my MBP I leave at work. I think I'll swap out that drive for the Momentus, then toss the 500 GB from the MBP in the mini. I'm looking for extra space in the mini more than anything else. Oh joyous occasion!

Any potential issues with the hybrid drives in a MBP?

There is much discussion in this thread.
I recently maxed my 13" MBP to 8g and the 500g hybrid and in between a 17sec cold boot and 3sec shut down this thing screams. Not noticeable heat unless loads of video work and no vibration beyond a normal drive.

http://www.ehmac.ca/anything-mac/90300-just-bought-8gb-my-13-mbp.html?highlight=hybrid

Both my Minis run 7200RPM HDs, no issues.

both my minis run 7200rpm hds, no issues.

+1; ..