IPod internal HDD specs?
Does anyone know where we can get details of the hard drive used in the ipods?
Also, I've seen web sites detailing how to open an IPod to replace the battery. Has anyone tried replacing the drive for more capacity?
The reason I ask is I'm sure I read somewhere that the IPod uses one of the small fujitsu drives (not sure if it was the 2.5" or 1.8" range). Either way fujitsu do sell larger capacity drives with the same foot-print.
[This may of course be impossible if there is some sort of bios change apple makes to the drive or some such, anyone know?]
[593 byte] By [
Gebbly] at [2007-11-9 11:43:47]
# 1 Re: IPod internal HDD specs?
http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68
go to the thread above and scroll down a few posts to get the links to toshibas harddisk page.
# 2 Re: IPod internal HDD specs?
thanks for that.
hopefully they have details of the older drives too (like my 20GB).
I wonder how complicated it would be to try replacing the drive.
Anyone got a very old ipod out of warranty with a curious disposition that could fill us in?
Gebbly at 2007-11-15 14:19:22 >
# 3 Re: IPod internal HDD specs?
Found the info I came across before...
"The MK5002MAL uses a one disk/ two head design with an average access time of 15ms, which is more than enough to feed the 32MB of cache found in the iPod. The drive spins at 4200 RPM, which is very impressive for a form factor that is this small. Toshiba rates the MK5002MAL with a five-year life, which means it should last as long as your iPod does. Currently, Toshiba offers this drive in 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB sizes, which mirrors the same capacity sizes in which Apple offers the iPod. From what we have been told, the drive in the Windows version of the iPod is formatted using FAT32, so it might be possible to replace or clone the original iPod hard drive and replace it with a larger one. We found that these drives are difficult to get your hands on, and if you can, they are expensive, costing as much as a new iPod. At least for the moment, this will keep the upgraders away."
from
http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20021003/ipod-03.html
Certainly looks possible to replace the drive...
Looks like its just a case of removing the drive and unplugging it...
Anyone brave enought to give this a shot?
I suspect a replacement drive might be prohibitivly expensive though
Gebbly at 2007-11-15 14:20:22 >
# 4 Re: IPod internal HDD specs?
I think it would be a much better solution to just buy another one. The hds are very costly (I've heard that if you want to buy one of them it is more expensive than buying a hole iPod with the drive in it). And what about the old 10 gig drive, that will just go to waste. And what to do when (if?) the battery dies, then you'll have to replace it...
And btw if anyone tries this they will probably brake everything.
Conclusion: DON'T DO IT!
# 6 Re: IPod internal HDD specs?
it would be nice if IPOD's had "Minidisc" type technology where we could slip hard drives in and out .. imagine changing 20-30 gig hard drives on the fly...... this is already a reality, laptops do it all the time...
