Upgrading HDD for Win 7..good idea?

Just want to get some alternate opinions.

I've been using my Dell Insipron 1520 for the past two years on the stock hard drive it came with (Fujitsu 120gb @ 5400rpm). With my copy of Windows 7 on its way, I've been looking at maybe looking to replace my hard drive. Especially with this deal for a Seagate 320GB @ 7200rpm for 60 bucks.

After two years, my current drive is doing well although it has accumulated some bumps along the way and recently has been louder than normal. My main worry is that installing the new OS on my current HD might be a waste if I come across a hardware failure in the future... What do you think?

Whats the rule of thumb for replacing these drives?

 

Novartist,

Like your idea (keep the Fujitsu as backup and to sell with when you replace your notebook), but definitely reconsider the 7200.4's.

I would suggest;
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=35430&vpn=WD5000BEVT&manufacture=Western Digital WD

instead.

(I've returned 4 500GB 7200.4's because I thought they were 'broken', but instead, that's how they're 'supposed' to work - bad).

 

Yeah, I was looking at those, but the price of the seagates is just so damn enticing.

What kinds of problems did you run into with yours?

 

Forget the price.

How about 1 1/2 hr Vista install times? And even after all that time, Vista would still error out with 'blah blah blah files missing'.

How about 2 drives DOA?

How about a Scorpio Blue 500GB drive (5400 RPM) being faster than the 7200.4? (Scorpio Blue Win 7 install: 15 min).