Stupid iBook G4 Hard Drive question

Question

Hi,
I feel extremely stupid for this post; however, I need to replace my hard drive. The system info states the drive as ATA. Does this imply SATA, PATA, will EIDE work ? Can anyone suggest a drive as well as as decent external drive enclosure to swap the data.
I'm not certain whether to purchase which of the three formats above, plus I haven't cracked the case since doing the memory update two years ago.
Thanks,
Kevin

Answer 1

Kevin:
Your iBook will support a 2.5" (P)ATA/IDE HDD, like most PowerPC Macs. These drives come in 7200 rpm and 5400 rpm up to 100 GB in capacity, and 5400 rpm up to 250 GB in capacity. Here is a list of drives. You can use the sidebar to screen for capacity, rotational speed and manufacturer. Most drives come with a manufacturer's warranty of 3 years, with the exception of Seagate, which is 5 years.
Can anyone suggest a drive as well as as decent external drive enclosure to swap the data.
I have a couple of these neat enclosures The neatest thing about them is that they have the more reliable Oxford 911+ chipset.
I haven't cracked the case since doing the memory update two years ago.
The iBook G4 is the most difficult Mac laptop on which to install a HDD, as to have to almost completely disassemble the computer to get to the HDD. However, it is doable, with screwdrive skills, lots of concentration and some gentle force. You will find directions at ifixit. You did not post the specs of your computer so you will need to navigate to the right one to find directions for your computer.
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 8 screw driver is critical.
• I use small medicine cups one for the screws in each step. I nest them so that the last ones out and the first to go back in are on top. You can use an ice cube tray, egg carton, dixie cups etc. (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.
Please do post back with further questions or comments.
Good luck.
cornelius