I need a larger hard drive for my MBA!!

[canaryM]

Hello guys,

Please don't shoot me but I've been searching A LOT and I can't find a solid answer. First of all, is the interface for the MBA HDD PATA or ZIF or is it the same thing? I'm looking to get rid of my 80GB HDD and would love to get a 160GB but I'm willing to settle for 120GB. Can someone point me in the right direction?

I belong to a few BMW forums and I know what happens to guys who don't search before posting but believe me, I've searched. Any help is much appreciated. Thank you!

- canaryM

 

[mrrippey]

Hello guys,

Please don't shoot me but I've been searching A LOT and I can't find a solid answer. First of all, is the interface for the MBA HDD PATA or ZIF or is it the same thing? I'm looking to get rid of my 80GB HDD and would love to get a 160GB but I'm willing to settle for 120GB. Can someone point me in the right direction?

I belong to a few BMW forums and I know what happens to guys who don't search before posting but believe me, I've searched. Any help is much appreciated. Thank you!

- canaryM

quick answer, no...unless you get a external.

 

[Scottsdale]

Two problems.

One, the original MBA has a PATA drive, AND uses a special connector - LIF/ZIF (Low Insertion Force/Zero Insertion Force). Most drives are SATA, but there are PATA drives still being made. I know with the rev B MBA, the drive uses a proprietary LIF connector. The only way to put a drive in the rev B is via modifying a cable for a microSATA drive. I would assume the original is the same proprietary connector as remember exact same issues when people were trying to install drives in rev A MBA.

Next, the original MBA uses the same 1.8" drive, AND it can only be 5mm height. Most drives are 8/9mm and will not fit. Some will say to remove foam casing and it may fit, but you wouldn't want to do that unless you bought an SSD. Problem is SSD in that size and PATA probably not available even if you worked around the cable.

Now, your best bet to have 120 or 128 GB of drive space in an MBA, buy a rev B MBA. Fortunately, your whole system would be nicer. Unfortunately, higher price tag if all you need is more drive space.

Lastly, you will probably have to make due with an external USB drive.

Good luck.