Go for the 7200RPM drive, or keep the stock 5200RPM drive (17" C2D MBP)?

[robcts]

Looking at a 17" C2D... and debating whether to keep the 160GB 5200RPM or get the 100GB 7200RPM.

All storage will be on an external drive, so the loss of 60GB doesn't affect me at all; I'm simply trying to decide if the 7200RPM is truely better. I've read some tests done and it wasn't really that big of a difference from what I've seen.

Any opinions?

 

[makingthebanned]

If it's the 160GB Seagate Perpendicular drive, the performance is quite similar to the Seagate 7200.1 series drives, so it's not worth it to lose the 60GB of storage AND pay for a new drive.

 

[Nightkrawler]

I chose the 100GB/7200RPM drive because it was 100€ cheaper.
The price of the 160GB/5400RPM Perpendicular and 100Gb/7200RPM are quite similar (at least in Austria), so i got same worth hardware for less money.
If i want more space i can use the saved 100€ and add ~40€ and buy an additionally 160GB/5400RPM with Perpendicular recording, and swap the internal drive and/or use it externally.
The performance between the hdds should be marginal.
But i think ill wait till hybrid drives (with flash memory) or bigger 7200RPM with perpendicular recording drives are coming out.

 

[robcts]

If it's the 160GB Seagate Perpendicular drive, the performance is quite similar to the Seagate 7200.1 series drives, so it's not worth it to lose the 60GB of storage AND pay for a new drive.

The 7200rpm drive cost ~$80 less right from Apple, so I wouldn't be buying another drive.