Laptop HDD question - revisited

[fohfoh]

Ok, some of you may recall my thread about my laptop's HDD a few months back and here I am again. The HDD has not died yet, but I truly think it's on its way out even though SMART readings gives me a 97% performance and a 90% Fitness. So... I've been contemplating my options...

My laptop is a:
Sony Vaio SZ 480
Intel T7200 Processor @ 2.0Ghz
3GB RAM
(HDD - To be replaced) - WDC WD3200BEKT 320GB
Turbo Cache Video - Intel 945//NVidia Go 7400

So... my question is... do you think this is worth dumping an SSD into for fun? Or should I just pay 1/3rd - 1/5th  of that and replace my 320GB WD HDD with another one that's similar? (80-110 dollar upgrade unless prices drop again).

Generally I only use this computer for school, but since it's a super lightweight business style computer from Sony, I really beat the shit out of it (Super thin metal that vibrates a little from the HDD and sometimes mobo fan). I might need to open it up and clean it out and maybe consider giving the mobo fan a little lube (of sorts) to keep it quieter, but other than that, it seems ok. Though I think the Mobo does indeed overheat (goes upwards of 70-90C when on load, but if I get my desktop and not use this as a primary comp, shouldn't be an issue)

I'm really considering a desktop pc, but I'd like to try and keep this one running for as long as I can.

Any suggestions? I'm assuming I'll upgrade the HDD in about 2 weeks or so when I get a new one. Personally, I'm leaning towards getting another WD 320GB @ 7200rpm w/ drop sensor (slight upgrade from my current version). But really don't know. The laptop's battery is still quite decent and capable of delivering anywhere between 1:30-4:00 of use based on settings so using it as a portable media/data setup should still suffice.

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=36405&vpn=WD3200BJKT&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33669&vpn=WD3200BEKT&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD

Also, does anyone have any idea about the 500GB + laptop HDDs based on noise/performance/fail rate?

EDIT: Just to say, I'd consider something like this if I went with an SSD... but 80GB really isn't much...

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=41732&vpn=SSDSA2MH080G2C1&manufacture=Intel

[vuzedome]

Get a SSD just for the fun.

[fohfoh]

Get a SSD just for the fun.

Sounds like a plan. But it seems I will need a copy of win 7 (I was business/professional) to utilize it the best.

Oh well, I can play with those two for now and then push them over to the desktop later on. Then grab a cheaper/ANOTHER SSD to toss into the laptop.

For real though, I think I'm going to grab both. Play with the SSD first, then get another dual boot (probably vista//ubuntu since I don't want to buy more than 1 copy of 7 if I don't need to.... I already have 7 home premium but I think I might give that to my bro, but we'll see)

I like the SSD for the lack of sound/vibration as well as for speed. Windows will be the OS of choice for using an SSD (less of a hassle). Then, I'll toss in the drivers and get one of those 64/128GB MSPD as a perma data thing for my laptop when they get cheaper. But.... will really need to see based on money availability. Though, revive from hibernation/login in like 5 seconds is really enticing especially on a computer I don't generally like to idle.

[PowerMac]

I like the idea of SSDs but they just cost too damn much. I have seen some laptops have a small SSD for the OS then a larger HDD for storage to get around the high cost, but if your laptop only has one HDD Bay like most I would stay with a HDD for now. Thats just me.

[fohfoh]

I like the idea of SSDs but they just cost too damn much. I have seen some laptops have a small SSD for the OS then a larger HDD for storage to get around the high cost, but if your laptop only has one HDD Bay like most I would stay with a HDD for now. Thats just me.

Agreed. Which is why I'm leaning towards the WD idea.

But SSD has a bit of fun factor to it. I'll also save it for my desktop which I hope to try and build by the end of summer budget permitting. (Depends if I go travel or not).

But yeah, probably won't go SSD unless I have definitive plans for the desktop... or I might go with the 40GB version. (Since it's just for 1 more semester of school) and go all out afterwards.

[Perplexing]

Personally if I had the means to get a SSD i'd do it in a heartbeat myself. I wouldn't need nothing too big as I would use it as my primary drive for win 7.
On a laptop I would then use (provided you have one or could invest in one) an external hard drive for any additional storage needed.

Also if you do get the HDD for the laptop I wouldn't disgard the old one seeing as how you are getting good SMART readings. Instead I would look into buying an external enclosure and using that as an external HDD as I did with my old laptop's HDD once I decided to get a new laptop that is.

My old laptop HDD was an IDE one so I went on newegg and purchased from rosewill an enclosure for $10.00 US. I have since bought a 320GB and a 1TB external but I take my other one with me more often that the others whenever a need for an external arises.

Other than that get the SSD for fun.... make those who can not afford them yet jealous 

[fohfoh]

True. Though atm, I need something more for storage/main comp before I turn my laptop into "fun" via the use of an SSD. In all seriousness, once I no longer need this laptop as a main comp, then it'll make an excellent portable computer. (I torrent a lot on this laptop currently, which isn't something I want to do with an SSD).