Questions on heat, hard drive, graphics 1.5GHz

I am considering a new Powerbook 12 inch to replace the 15 inch TiBook I just traded in at Powermax -- stretching the budget to the current 15 is tough, especially when there still seem to be at least some firmware questions if not hardware -- and the small 12 is tempting. Whatever it is, it has to be a Mac, and due to monitor spanning, it has to be a Powerbook.
So some questions.
How is the 12 inch these days for heat? Obviously heavy hard drive activity (such as all the demos they run on it in the Apple Store) will heat up the left side wrist rest given where the hard drive is, but how is it for typing on in actual day-to-day use?
Anyone tried the 100GB 5400RPM BTO? Of course the 80GB 5400 is standard, but is there any significant speed difference between the two (denser platters usually mean faster transfers).
How about the Nvidia 5200 graphics card? Any bottlenecks I should be aware of compared to a Radeon 9550/9600/9700?
And, any difference in durability compared to the 15?
Lastly, how about the display? They seem a bit dim in the store, but they also seem like they have a jiggered stock profile. How about when you hardware profile it properly (I have a ColorVision Spyder2Pro)?

As far as video chipsets go, a 5200 is not going to run with the ATi 9600 or better in terms of fps for the gpu, I'm not sure about the 9550. The 9600XT, and I'm using one in a desktop, roughly runs with the 5700 Ultra and a little behind the 5900 in nvidia's lineup. I'd say as far as notebook gpu's go, all those gpu's are dated and are in need of revising. The 5200 is a couple years old and so are the ATi gpu's, that is for desktops. But when you look @ PB specs, a 9700 128 MB video vs 64 MB FX5200, the 9700 is way ahead.
http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=3&var1=98&var2=0

Similar Messages

Hello, can someone help me: my eMac G4 700 MHz. I can not boot it. If he starts appears on the screen, only a small "folder with a question mark." The Mac was not used 1 year. Question 1: Problem = hard drive? Question 2: Problem = PRAM battery? the What

Hello, can someone help me: my eMac G4 700 MHz. I can not boot it. If he starts appears on the screen, only a small "folder with a question mark." The Mac was not used 1 year.
Question 1: Problem = hard drive?
Question 2: Problem = PRAM battery?
the
What can I do to boot?

Restart with the Option key held down.
If the internal drive shows up, it's the PRAM battery.
If it doesn't, insert a compatible Mac OS 9 or X install disk, click the button with the circular arrow, and either repair the internal drive or install a new OS on it. If it doesn't show up in Disk First Aid(9) or the Disk Utility(X), it's either not plugged in or needs to be replaced.
(97530)

Questions on replacing hard drive in Compaq CQ58 for the experts

I have a Compaq CQ58-bf9WM, product number: C2M29UA#ABA with Window 8 version 6.2.9200 build 9200. Windows 8 is not meeting my needs and I wish to replace it. My plan is to replace the existing hard disk with a new solid state disk. I need to prepare the new disk for using the UEFI start up process and configure the UEFI BIOS to boot from the new disk. I also plan to place the hard disk with Windows 8 into a USB hard disk adapter. This will allow me to use Windows 8 when I need it by using the UEFI Boot Device menu in the UEFI Start Up Tool(or screen).
The replacement solid state disk in order to use the UEFI start up process needs to be set with GUID Partition Table (GPT). What Windows 8 tools (e.g. old fdisk Care available to do this and where one can one find instructions for the process? If the tools are missing on this installation of Windows 8 then how can I get the necessary tools?
According to the HP document, HP Business Notebook Computer EFI Guidelines, the replacement solid state disk there needs to be VFAT32 EFI System Partition (ESP) labeled HP_TOOLS and marked as boot present to support UEFI start up process. Presently, the existing hard drive VFAT32 ESP does not have any label? Do I need the HP_TOOLS label on the new solid state drive?
On the VFAT32 ESP, there needs to be a directory structure of /BOOT/EFI/ with the EFI programs(boot loader, boot manager, shell, etc.). How can one register the new EFI programs (within/BOOT/EFI) to allow them to be started by UEFI Boot from File menu of the UEFI Start Up Tool?
The VFAT32 ESP on the existing hard drive has a directory HP in /EFI. The HP directory contains directories BIOS, BIOSUPDATE, and SystemDiags. I am assuming I will need copy this directory structure and their contents to the new solid state drive VFAT32 partition. Is this correct?
There are also two directories, boot and EFI in the HP directory on the VFAT32. The boot and EFI directories appear to contain Microsoft boot software for Windows 8. I should not need these since Windows 8 will not be on the solid state disk. Is this correct?
Before I make any changes that affect the BIOS, I would like to make a backup copy of the BIOS and its information. How can I do this? I would also like the backup copy to be stored in the ESP BIOSUPDATE directory.
I would like to have the UEFI Shell available on both drives(existing and new). UEFI Shell is part of the overall UEFI specification, so it should be able to be supported by the UEFI BIOS. It needs to have a signature or key file to register it. Does HP have a version of the UEFI shell with a signature file available? If yes, then how does one get a copy of files and installation instructions? If no, then how does one install the Intel provided shellx86.efi program (especially the existing drive)?
Thank you in advance for any help on any these questions.

The prices there look pretty decent. As for transferring the cloned image, what software did you use to clone? Most imaging software has a way to restore the image to a new hdd.
I use Macrium. It creates an Image of the hdd to CD/DVD or external USB hdd. It also lets you create a bootable cd to boot from & restore the image to a new hdd.
Macrium Reflect HERE
Create an Image Restore an Image
******Clicking the Thumbs-Up button is a way to say -Thanks!.******
**Click Accept as Solution on a Reply that solves your issue to help others**

IMac DV SE 400 chimes, gives flashing question mark. Hard drive bad?

My G3 iMac DV SE 400 will not start up. This is what happens:
1. Startup chime
2. Hard drive starts to spin
3. Hard drive "clicks" once
4. Flashing question mark on screen
I tried resetting the PRAM and disconnecting everything like it says in the manual. I have booted up from CD and used Disk Utility (OS X) and Disk First Aid (OS 9) to find out if the computer "sees" the hard drive. No luck with either one - the drive does not mount. I have also tried System Profiler and the computer does not recognize the presence of any hard drive there either.
Is the hard drive really "dead?" Can it be resurrected - at least to the point where I can retrieve my files, pictures, etc.? I'm confident that the drive is receiving power because it actually starts to spin up (see #2 above). Am I overlooking something easy here? Could it be as simple as replacing the battery? I haven't tried that because the hard drive does "attempt" to start up.
Failing all else, is it possible to retrieve the data using my other Mac even though the hard drive will not boot?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Well if it spins up you might be able to salvage your data with Data Rescue II (free demo) or Disk Warrior. You could also try Target mode but if disk utility didn't see it then that's probably not going to be any better.
If those two don't see it then your only option is data retrieval via a pro company but that will be very expensive.
Richard

Need help reinstalling Yosemite/Question about external hard drive

I have an early MacBook Pro and I have to reinstall Yosemite because I've been getting nothing but spinning beach balls, slow loading, lag in type showing up, and wi-fi issues. I took the laptop to the Genius Bar at the Apple store last week and they ran diagnostics on everything and all was perfectly OK. No hardware issues, no memory issue and he said my laptop was very clean. He saw the spinning beach ball many times while he was working on my laptop and suggested that I turn off File Vault as that could be causing the slowdown. He said if that didn't work (it didn't) to buy an external hard drive (which I received today) and to back up everything through Time Machine then reinstall Yosemite. I specifically bought an external HD that says "for Mac" and as soon as I connected it Time Machine opened and did the backup.
Now these are my questions. Are all my photos on iPhoto, and my Word for Mac documents backed up so that when I reinstall Yosemite, everything is going to be right where I left it? Will I lose Word for Mac and have to reinstall it? Isn't Word for Mac a one time use/install and will I have trouble and have to call Microsoft to input my authentication key in again and will they let me? I know silly questions but I'm really worried about losing stuff.
Also step-by-step detailed instruction on how to reinstall Yosemite would really be appreciated. Thank you!

YoJoLo wrote:
Are all my photos on iPhoto, and my Word for Mac documents backed up so that when I reinstall Yosemite, everything is going to be right where I left it?
If you have taken the backup using the Time machine then there is nothing to worry as all your photos from iPhotos and Word for mac documents are backup safely by your time machine.
Only keep one thing in mind that the external HDD which you use for the time machine backup should have the capacity size of about 3-4 times that of your backup data size. Or else, the time machine external drive will start deleting the files if the external drive is about to be full.
YoJoLo wrote:
Will I lose Word for Mac and have to reinstall it? Isn't Word for Mac a one time use/install and will I have trouble and have to call Microsoft to input my authentication key in again and will they let me?
You absolutely don’t have to reinstall the Word for mac if its install in the first place because Time machine will backup the system installed files of your MS Word which you had installed.
Word for mac is a one time install and you don’t have to call Microsoft for any authentication key after you have restored your Word backup files from the time machine drive. As I said before the time machine will backup your Word system installed files leaving you no chance to reinstall it again.
YoJoLo wrote:
Also step-by-step detailed instruction on how to reinstall Yosemite would really be appreciated. Thank you!
Here, Yosemite reinstall procedure......
Important: To reinstall OS X, you must be connected to the Internet. Make sure your power adapter is plugged in. Reinstall OS X using the built-in recovery disk.
In the menu bar, choose Apple menu > Restart. Once your Mac restarts (and the gray screen appears), hold down the Command and R keys.
Select Disk Utility, then click Continue.
Select your startup disk on the left, then click the Erase tab.
Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) from the Format menu, enter a name, then click Erase.
Important: Erasing the disk removes all the information from the disk. Be sure to back up the information you want to keep to an external device.
After the disk is erased, choose Disk Utility > Quit Disk Utility.
Select Reinstall OS X, click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Hope this helps.....

Flashing Question mark: New hard drive not working Macbook Pro late 2008

After following several peoples advice on this forum I decided to upgrade my Macbook Pro late 2008 with a Seagate (1TB) Solid State Hybrid Drive 2.5 inch.
Heres the device.
http://www.morecomputers.com/spec.aspx?pn=ST1000LM014
After creating a mountable boot on a External hard drive with Mavericks install I removed the current hard drive and replaced with the new seagate drive. However it didn't seem to recognize the external hard drive (it is quite old but works perfectly) and went to a flashing grey question mark screen and wouldnt do anything else. Ive tried holding down command-r and option-r but I get nothing. Its just the same flashing question mark. I have done this several times and the same result.
I put the old drive back in and it works fine.
I am trying to work out is the problem with the mountable external hard drive OR is it the hard drive is not compatible with my computer?
Appreciate your help
Gary

Sorry I think you may be confused.
I am trying to install the new Seagate hard drive to my mac (not as an external hard drive).
I replace the macbook pro hard drive with the seagate drive:
http://www.morecomputers.com/spec.aspx?pn=ST1000LM014
I then started up the machine with a usb external hard drive with a boot copy of mavericks on it. However, it just displayed a flashing question mark and wouldnt start booting the osx.
I am trying to work out is the problem with the mountable external hard drive OR is it the hard drive is not compatible with my computer? Im guessing it must be hard drive. Would it be better to use a USB pen drive as the external hard drive is quite old?
Does anyone know what the problem could be as the hard drive is brand new.
Appreciate your help
Thanks, Gary

Question about swapping hard drives...

Hi there,
I recently swapped the harddrive out from my old macbook pro 17" (post 2009 model) into a brand new macbook pro 13". I wanted to see if the OS would still run, and it did. My question is, do I have to perform a re-install of the OS or can I just use as-is? And if I do, if I backup via time machine, does that create an exact version of the backed up user account?

As long as each hard drive involved in the swap has a version of OS X installed that is current for the hardware, then the swap should work OK. However, if the new machine requires a later version of OS X or a version with a different build, then the swap will not work properly for the newer machine using the older hard drive.
TM will backup any and all drives included. Everything is backed up except what you specifically add to the TM exclude list. TM DOES NOT create a bootable backup nor permanent storage - files deleted from the source will eventually be deleted from the TM backup drive.

Question about swapping Hard-Drives/Creating Recovery Discs

I have a laptop, Toshiba Satellite C655-S5082, with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit OEM Operating System already installed on it so it did NOT come with an Installation or Recovery disc.
My problem here is two-fold... First I would like to change the hardware on the PC by changing Hard-Drives from the one that came with the laptop to a large capacity one however since the laptop came with the Operating System already installed onto it I can not install it onto the new Hard-Drive (which for all further purposed we will call Hard-Drive B) now I thought that I could create the recovery discs using Toshiba's Recovery Media Center to create the 4 DVDs however I do not even know if this will help at all since Hard-Drive B does not have a recovery partition on it.
This however is where my second problem comes into play, when I try to create the recovery discs using the Recovery Media Center I insert the DVD and begin the burning process, however about 75% of the way through the first disc the program slows down and a window pops up asking me if I would like to open the disc with Windows Explorer as if it has just recognized the disc again, I exit out of this and it comes up a few minutes later with an error code of 020150-20-0000000 and a message stating it can not read a file located within the ZZImages directory and then crashes, freezes and I have to end the process via the Task Manager then eject the disc via Windows Explorer 'My Computer' link.
As you can see my problem is two fold so my questions to the Toshiba Support Team/Administration are...
1. If I insert the new HDD into the laptop and begin using the recovery discs created via the Recovery Media Center will it be able to install the OS to that HDD and allow the OEM Product Key to be used to verify the OS?
2. If I can do the above process how do I fix the Recovery Media Center application from crashing and effectively ruining my DVD's, so that I may create the proper recovery dics?
3. If I can't do the above process due to the Recovery Partitions not being located on that new Hard Drive is there a way to copy and or transfer that Recovery Partition to the new Hard Drive so that the recovery discs do work?
4. If neither of the above processes work will Toshiba be willing to send me a Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit OEM Installation disc via the mail or the .iso/.img file of the disc via e-mail so that I may burn them to a disc myself and install the OS onto the new Hard Drive?
I do have the appropriate Product ID/Product Key for the OEM OS as well as the Serial Number of the specific laptop itself. Please get back to me as soon as possible. Thank you!

Satellite C655-S5082
create the recovery discs ... comes up a few minutes later with an error code
This sometimes occurs because of the media. Try using a disc from a different source.
Follow the instructions in the section Creating recovery DVDs/media, which begins on p. 68 of the User's Guide.
Satellite C640/C650 Series User’s Guide
I do not even know if this will help at all since Hard-Drive B does not have a recovery partition on it
It doesn't make any difference what's on hard drive B. All of it will be replaced.
For this, see the section Restoring from recovery DVDs/media, which begins on p. 71 of the User's Guide. You want to recover to "out-of-box state."
After you have restored to the new hard disk, it will contain everything that the original had, including even all the recovery partitions. So you will even be able to burn recovery discs again from the new hard drive.
..the OEM Product Key
The version of Windows which is restored (not installed) to the new hard drive is pre-activated. You won't need to fool around with the product key.
..will Toshiba be willing to send me a Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit OEM Installation disc
If all else fails, you can always order recovery discs from Toshiba directly.
Order Toshiba Recovery Media
Your questions indicate that you do not understand the procedure above. If my explanation is insufficient, please feel free to ask for clarification.
questions to the Toshiba Support Team/Administration
One more thing. There are no Toshiba support folks here. We are all users just like you.
-Jerry

Folder with Question Mark Icon--hard drive kaput?

Hello,
I know there's extensive info on this occurring at startup but I wanted to ask anyone a couple of specifics.
1). My imac is old. It's from 2007 and while I've enjoyed it etc., I understand that it's time has "probably come".
2). No and this is my bad; I've not backed it up. Luckily, there honestly isn't a ton of irreplaceable stuff on it so in worst case scenario it's not a disaster. It's more of a nuisance.
3). I used OSX Leopard.
So here's the meat and potatoes.   Whether its coincidental or causal, I can't say but after I upgraded my iPhone to iOS7, I started to get a couple of "can't connect to iTunes" errors and then suddenly my imac shut down and when I tried to restart, I'd get the grey screen with the ? folder.
I'm not a techie but I tried the gamut of troubleshooting fixes.   In short,
1) I tried rebooting after unplugging peripherals.
2). I tried rebooting while holding the Option key.
3). I tried inserting the OSX install disc and restarting while holding down C. The computer merely ejected the disc.
4). I tried resetting PRAM
On all attempts, the folder icon reappeared. I cannot get any kind of disk utilities tools to open. I cannot get past the folder icon.
I went to the Genius Bar this AM. The techie ran a diagnostic and concluded that my hard drive was dead and that he cold not help me anymore because the machine was too old. He couldn't/wouldn't give me any details presumably because apple has no interest in servicing/dealing with an old machine. All he would say to me is try an authorized reseller.
My experiences with Genius Bar are routinely unpleasant so I can't tell if this guy was truthful.
My questions:
1). Is there another fix I can attempt to get the imac to reboot? If I can get one reboot, I'll go immediately back up everything.
2). Does this sound like a hard drive death?
3). Are my data lost forever?
Thanks!

I tried rebooting while holding the Option key.
If the startup disk is not available from the Startup Manager window, that's an indication that the disk has failed
Genius Bar was most likely correct.

Folder with Question Mark, Clicking hard drive and unformatted status on the hard drive in DU

Hi.
We have a mac Mini 2012. Only 6 months old and has been used as a media server for the entire 6 months.
All of a sudden the mac will not work as usual.
When it starts up there is a clicking sound, almost like a clock, then a white screen with a flashing Folder and Question mark.
I have used every startup key combination possible. I've even tried to boot in target mode with my Macbook Pro to see if I can access the files on the drive but had no luck.
I can only boot from the internet download OSX. I tried to install Mountain Lion again but there was no destination to install it to. When I go into disk utilities the drive is shown as a TOSHIBA (Blah Blah blah). Macintosh HD is not shown.
The drive has no verify or repair options and is classed as unformatted.
I decided to try and erase it and reformat it but it gave me this error "unable to write to the last block of the device"
I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this but I'm gonna ask anyway.
"Are the files recoverable?"
and what the F do I do?

No, no backups, this was the backup for my laptop which was failing as well. I moved all my media and files across to the mini, deleted them on my laptop and had the mini work as a media server as well as a back up location for the files that were still on my laptop (mainly photography work)
I guess I'll have to take it back in store for the hard drive to be replaced as it's still under waranty.
Does apple give you the failed hard drive back? we have lots of bank statements/bills/passwords and all manner of personal data stored on it. I don't want it falling into the wrong hands.

Question Mark, No Hard Drive Mounted?!

Yesterday, I cameback to my apartment, and my iMac G5 was asleep but the fan sounded very loud; like it was going to explode.
I turned it off, and turned it back on, and I keep getting the same folder with a question mark error.
I've tried booting from the cd, and trying to repair the drive. But it doesnt even show the hard drive as being there to repair.
I tried resetting the PRAM, and I've done the hardware test (everything passed).
I'm stumped. Please help!

The very same thing has just happened to my iMac tonight. Tried all of the steps that Brandon has to no avail. Would be interested in any suggestions.
I reckon the HD is kaput. Unfortunately I will have probably lost all of my music, photos and docs. Anyone got any experience of data retrieval services as most PhD thesis is/was on that HD.
Never had a problem with Windows/Linux machines for all the years I have been using them and became a switcher in July. At the moment, not at all impressed with Apple Computer Inc.

A simple question about external hard drives.

hi. this may be a stupid question but i kinda need to know the answer.
can you use any external hard drive on a mac mini?
also does the mac mini come with a wireless card?

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
can you use any external hard drive on a mac mini?
Nearly any, but not necessarily all. Some bus-powered hard drives will not function at all, or may function inconsistently, and not all external drives will satisfactorily daisy chain, but by and large any mains-powered USB or Firewire drive will work. If intended for use to boot an Intel-based Mac (or to be bootable for such a system in case of problems with the internal), it will need to be partitioned in the GUID scheme (achieved easily via Disk Utility).
Firewire is better than USB if you have the option, simply because FW is more consistent in data transfer performance. USB drives are typically cheaper if cost is a significant factor.
In some ways, choice of drive may be affected by intended use. For example, if you intend to boot the system with it, a fast (meaning 7200rpm) drive with Firewire interface would be a good choice, while if being used for storing an iTunes library, a slower 5400 rpm drive with USB2.0 interface would be perfectly adequate.
also does the mac mini come with a wireless card?
All current Mac minis come with 'Airport' wifi already installed, though the original entry-level mini did not have wifi as standard. If your mini is one of these earlier ones, wifi can be added in a number of ways. If it's a later model, an Airport icon is normally set to show on the menu bar. It looks like a fan and if switched off, the fan will be blank, in on but not connected to a network, it'll show 4 grey arcs, and if on and connected, the arcs will be black.

New To MacBook Pro. Question re: External Hard Drive

I just purchased a Macbook Pro today. I used to have a Dell Inspiron on which I used a Western Digital 500GB My Book external hard drive to store my pictures and iTunes files.
My question is is that hard drive compatible with my new MacBook? I know the hard drive works with Macs, but I'm wondering if I can just plug it into the MacBook and have it work without having to reformat it and lose my data.

Wrt exFAT. The newest Macs ship with an exFAT driver included. This driver will probably also be part of the upcoming OS X 10.6.5 update.
For more info, see this article on a Dutch Apple website. (translation)

Question about replacing hard drive

Hey everyone. I had a question about replacing a hard drive for a 2012 midyear pro. I have replaced hard drives before on windows machines, but this is the first mac I have owned. It didn't come with a hard drive when I bought it, but I do have mavericks installed on a usb. As far as a new hard drive, will any 2.5 laptop hard drive work? I read it needs to be 9.5mm thick. Is that correct? As far as I am concerned, hardware is hardware and should be the same as replacing a hard drive on a dell laptop but wanted to see if apple has any weird restrictions.
Also, is there anything I need to consider or be aware of when putting in a new hard drive? Or can I just hook up the hard drive and plug in the USB and install the software onto the hard drive. Thanks
Excuse and ny ignorance as I am new to macs.

scottrf8 wrote:
As far as a new hard drive, will any 2.5 laptop hard drive work? I read it needs to be 9.5mm thick. Is that correct?
Yes. Any SATA drive will do with those specifications.
Also, is there anything I need to consider or be aware of when putting in a new hard drive? Or can I just hook up the hard drive and plug in the USB and install the software onto the hard drive.
Assuming that the installer is functioning correctly, install the HDD in the MBP and engage the installer. You should come across a 4 option menu. Select Disk Utility from it. Open Disk Utility>Erase and format the HDD to Mac OS Extended (Journlaled). One you finish that, you may install the OSX.
Ciao.

Question about replacement hard drives and clean win7 install fo x61

We are getting a X61-7674 from my wife's job- they are removing the original hard drive so I need to get a new one and do a fresh install of Windows 7.
Two questions- can I get any laptop hard drive or are there certain brands that won't work with the x61- I have looked at the prices on the Lenovo site vs. newegg so would like to be able to buy a generic 2.5 drive.
second question- in terms of doing a clean install of windows 7, what is the sequence for installing drivers- assume I load w7 first- what drivers will I need to load- do I have to put them on a thumb drive to load them? Basically wondering what will work once I have loaded W7 and what drivers i'll need to download.
Would appreciate any help on either question-
Thanks.

1) you can use any 2.5 inch sata hdd of 9.5 mm thickness.
2) Windows update should pick up most of the hardware and install the correct drivers for them. However, there are still some stuffs that you have to install yourself. Such as:
http://forum.lenovo.com/t5/Windows-7-Knowledge-Base/Will-the-ThinkPad-X301-run-Win7-x64/ta-p/325173
Regards,
Jin Li
May this year, be the year of 'DO'!
I am a volunteer, and not a paid staff of Lenovo or Microsoft

Questions on heat, hard drive, graphics 1.5GHz

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