Macbook pro intel core 2 duo hard drive UPGRADE?

Question

Hi,
Sorry if this has been answered already...
I own a MacBook Pro (15-inch Core 2 Duo), i upgraded to 3GB RAM, and Snow Leopard but my 120 factory Hard Drive seems to ALWAYS drop below 50GB and I want to upgrade.
Any suggestions?
1) Would Apple be able to do this for me?
or
2) should I do it myself?
3) What is the max amount of Hard drive capacity on this mac??
(I called Apple, they told me max is 200gb??...is this true??)
I found a site, that sells them pretty decent prices, any recommendations?
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/MacBook/Pro/Core2/
4) I've seen videos and read forums on how to install/upgrade myself, but I am reallly not familar with this, and would feel more comfortable if someone could do it for me...anyone here, live or is near New Jersey? that would do it for me? I will pay you.
Thanks!
-T.

Answer 1

-T:
I called Apple, they told me max is 200gb??...is this true??
To the best of my knowledge the total capacity of HDDs you can installed is only limited by market availability. I am not sure exactly which MBP you have (do you mind including the processor speed in your profile?) you can safely add up to 500 GB HDD. Here is a list of available drives at OWC. The drives may be available for less elsewhere if you check. Take a look at this discussion topic.
should I do it myself?
If you have basic mechanical skills like knowing how to use a screwdriver, and you have a gentle touch, a bit of patience and a steady hand, you can do it yourself. You will find step by step directions with pics at iFixit. Select your particular computer and then click on HD Replacement. I will list some tips at the end of this post.
If you still need to have someone do it for you after reviewing the directions and tips, please post back for suggestions.
Here are few tips you may find helpful:
• Print out the ifixit directions as well as the screw guide ahead of time.
• Be sure you have the right tools. You don't want to damage the screw heads or you may never get them out. And the Torx screw driver is critical. For a spudge I use the handle of an old toothbrush (choose one made of hard plastic), cut off the brush and bevelled the handle end like a flat blade screw driver). For some spudge jobs a credit card will do the trick.
• Picking up on one user’s suggestion, I clicked on the pages of each step which involved removing screws to enlarge, then printed out the pages. I poked holes in the paper where the screws were removed, poked the screws in the holes and stacked the pages in order in which there were removed. Reassembling was a lot easier. No cups to tip over and spill. No guessing. Each screw was exactly in the right place. You can use an ice cube tray, egg carton, dixie cups etc. I previously used small medicine cups one for the screws in each step. I nested them so that the last ones out and the first to go back in are on top. (Some users report cutting up the screw guide and placing the applicable section in each container.)
• Be very careful pulling out leads. Hold the lead as close to the plug as possible and wiggle (the plug ) to loosen its grip. Don’t hold the wires and pull as that can damage the cable, or worse, in some instances pull the wires out of the plug. Indeed, some users have pulled the socket off the logic board! Use needle nose pliers or tweezers if you can access the plug, or nudge the plug with a small instrument to help loosen its grip.
• Use force gently in removing parts. Separating upper and lower case takes some doing. Use a plastic tool (spudge) so as not to leave marks.
• Refer to the screw guide when reassembling computer. Putting longer screws in the wrong place can perforate the circuit board.
cornelius