Possible to upgrade HD on a MacBook Pro?

Question

I have a 15" laptop of the previous generation that I bought about two years ago. I have run out of storage space on the hard drive. I have done all the file shuffling and deleting and archiving I can. It's no use. I can't find any more room on this thing.
Would it be practical for me to buy a higher-capacity HD and put it in the machine? Do people ever do that? I've build PCs but I've never messed around with laptops.
If it's possible to physically replace the HD, what about getting my old system onto it? I have been using Time Machine. With a new HD, is there a way I could "restore" my previous system onto it?
Just doing preliminary research here and sizing up my options.
Any help or info would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Ethan

Answer 1

ebdb:
You need a 2.5" SATA HDD. I don't know what generic drives Amazon offers, but one of the best shopping places for Macusers is OWC. Here is a list of available HDDs at OWC. In addition to the step by step directions linked by neuroanatomist 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).
• 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.
Once the HDD is installed you will need to format and erase it before you can install or clone to it. Please post back if you need step by step directions.
cornelius
Message was edited by: cornelius