Toshiba MK6034GAX Hard Drive Replacement

I am considering buying a Panasonic Y4 Toughbook. I have been told by Panasonic that the current harddrive is a Toshiba 60Gig - model # MK6034GAX. I am a bit concerned that this HD is not the most reliable and after the 3 year warranty I may have to replace it. Panasonic Japan told me that even if this HD model # is the same as those purchased separately - the HD's used in Panasonic Y4's is unique. I was not sure if the tech meant that it was special in some technical way (lower voltage, pins etc ??) or just if she was referring to the drivers installed. I know that the Panasonic Y4 HD "caddy" in which the HD rests is special - but is the Toshiba HD should be standard size. I need help clarifying three questions: 1) Can I replace this Toshiba HD # MK6034GAX with any other 2.5" laptop HD (ex a Western Digital)? Or must I only replace with this specific model # in the future - and this purchased direct from Panasonic? 2) What are some other HD's I can replace this Toshiba HD #MK6034GAX - with which are more reliable? 3) Are there any forum members currently using this Toshiba HD in their laptops? - Can you offer any reliability reports?
THanks to all for all assistance. Jerome

 

Hard drives from all manufacturers can fail. If it is a standard 2.5" hard drive, most should work. I personally like Hitachis and Seagates. If there is something you can't afford to loose, the best thing is to make sure you have a backup up.

 

My laptop originally shipped with a Toshiba MK6025GAS (not the same as yours). I soon replaced with the hitachi 7K60. The Toshiba after just under a year still runs fine in an enclosure (on almost 18 hrs per day). Its not noisy, but I felt it is relatively hoter than other drives. It is almost as hot as my 7K60, although one is 4200RPM and the other is 7200RPM.

I agree with zazonz, Hitachi are amongst the best, especially when it come to performance and power consumption, but like any other HDD they can fail ... only solution: backup!

Note: the 7K60 is a bit noisy, not sure if that improved in the new line 7K100. That's if you are looking at getting a 7200RPM.

 

You also might consider a Western Digital Scorpio HD - many users here have found them to make excellent notebook HDs.