cf18 MK1, 500gb or bigger hdd possible?

I have tried to find info, but no luck...primary use of this laptop is when travelling around asia.I use linux mint 10/windows xp side by side on the 40gb hdd. Hdd is too small to my purposes as "picture/video bank", and need to get bigger.
500gb hdd costs only about 50 euros, and would be best choise(?). It will work with cf-18? Is it needed to copy partition from old 40gb hdd, if i want to keep win xp...and if yes, how to do it?

 

The CF-18 uses a EIDE/PATA type drive. The largest I have found in this format is 320GB. The 500GB ones you see for 50 euros are SATA types. They will not work in the CF-18 without extensive modifications and definitely not for novices. Make sure you are also looking at the 2.5 inch format.

As for copying partitions and stuff, worry about that AFTER you have the new drive. Many here will offer very good advice on how to do this.

 

Thanks! I guess that only option is 320GB. Have you found out that all EIDE/PATAs will work? Recommendations?

 

If the drive is classified as EIDE/PATA, it will work. Again, keep in mind the form factor (2.5"). The only one of this size at 320GB that I have found is the Western Digital 320GB WD3200BEVE. That is not to say that there are not others just it is the only one I have found. On your side of the pond, you may have other options.

 

While you are shopping for your drive, you might as well look for an external HDD enclosure. Make sure it is compatable with EIDE/PATA. The external interface will be USB at least but you have to worry about the internal interface.

 

Im going to buy that WD3200BEVE, strange that it cost here in Finland 85-95 euros,normal 500gb with sataII is about 50e. There is linux/windows software to make hdd clone...norton ghost is one example. Do i need that external enclosure for that clone operation?Is it possible to make clone without it?

 

The way I use to do it was I used Acronis True Image Home 2010 . I got one of them cheap external enclosure and put the new drive in it and run the software. When it was done took the caddy out and swapped the drives. Up and running in about 1 1/2 hours if I remember right .
Like I said use to , now I start from scratch (restore disk). It's always nice to start out fresh with no junk...anything I use or need I always have it backed up anyways .

 

I was searching info about hdd , and found out that its possible to change SSD disc in to the cf-18. There is youtube video: YouTube - ‪TOUGHBOOK CF-18 SSD Boot‬‏ , and looks great! SSD would be fast with longer battery life, and best off all there would not be any moving parts. Then i should buy external hdd to storage for pictures/videos.
Kingston 64gb SSD 1.8" drives cost about 100euro, can it be installed to the cf-18 hdd cradle? Here is one example: KingSpec SSD 1,8" CF 50pin 64GB compact flash IDE (117 | eBay

 

This thread was started a while ago , check it out http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/545481-sata-ssd-cf-18d.html .

 

Watch the details. You said Kingston, which is a respected top-tier memory manufacturer. But the SSD vendor in that link is King Spec probably a cheaper Chinese type. I'm trying a Kingspec SSD now and it does seem to work although with somewhat less performance than a name-brand SSD. And it seems to be getting much slower over time.