IBM 40GB 5400RPM Hard Drive, $98+Shipping

[thegreatjeff]

Just visit to NextHardwareShop.com and search for item #HD-IBDTLA305040. I just bought this since I was in need. Unfortunately since I like in Alaska I was charged $35 shipping...oh well it's 2nd Day Air so it's not too bad.

Just thought I'd give back a deal to everyone who gives me good deals everyday!

 

[echozero]

geez, looks like they're reaming us on the shipping though...

the price on the hdd isn't half bad, but 7200rpm would be nice. apparentely it's supposed to make a really big difference... if shipping wasn't so bad it wouldn't be bad. =)

 

[thegreatjeff]

A quick check on price watch confirms this as the best price available, and everyone seems to be charging around $11 shipping for ground...is that what you got?

 

[mukzz]

the price has been the same for a while... it has dropped about $15 in 2 months on this one... but good enough even with the sucky shipping!

 

[tsee]

Can anyone tell me if this is OEM or Retail? Thanks.

 

[dealchecker]

It's an old model.

You can find spec here (pdf)

 

[santasanta]

MP3 storage!

 

[thegreatjeff]

tsee: I think it's OEM, judging by the price. But if you've ever installed a hard drive before (i.e. you have experience), AND are replacing a hard drive (therefore you'd have an IDE cable and screws), then you should do fine. OEM = no pretty box, no manual, no IDE cable, and no screws.

 

[tsee]

thegreatjeff: Thanks for the answer. I've experience with such upgrades but what I'm worried about is the quality. I've heard from friends who report a significant number of defective units when they buy OEM. And the warranty's shorter, usually. Anyone who can comment on this?

 

[thegreatjeff]

Well mine will be here on Monday, I'll tell you what happens. =)

 

[nwarawa]

Beware of IBM OEM drives. If it's screwed, YOU'RE screwed. IBM doesn't look kindly on end users buying OEM drives...at least that's what I hear. Many people have had problems getting IBM to replace their OEM drive under warranty.

 

[VTBigBear]

you should have no problems with getting warranty replacement even if it is OEM.
I have bought alot of stuff OEM and so far only one thing has gone bad. and I am getting a replacement in a few days..

The warranty doesnt have anything todo with OEM or retail. just the date that the drive or whatever was bought or built.(depending if you have the reciept or not)

so i wouldnt worry about getting a bad drive.. cause most hard drives have 3 year warranties


hope i am right.. hehehe

 

[OldPro]

Most RETAIL drives have 3 year warranties. OEM drives will have 0, 1, 2, 0r 3 year warranties, depending on how much the OEM purchaser was willing to pay. Large companies like Gateway will purchase the drives with NO factory warranty, figuring they will warrant the entire system. Generally speaking, in my experiance, the standard OEM drive will have the same warranty as it's retail brother, but it is never safe to count on it. If in doubt, ASK QUESTIONS!!! And while you're asking, make sure you ask if it's a factory warranty or a shop warranty. Many times there is a 30, 90, or 1 yr shop warranty (return to seller for replacement) backed up with a 3 year manufacturers warranty.

I don't think you should be afraid of an OEM drive, just be aware that there may be differences over and above not coming with cables, manuals, installation software, fancy box, etc.

 

[feji]

i usually go with oem over retail to save a few bucks. the most important thing i do is actually READ resellers disclaimers about their return/warrenty policy. most of the more reputable online stores will have a decent warrenty/return policy, just check resellerratings.com. just keep in mind any body can post their opinions about each store there...i've read some fishy posts there before, probably employees/owners trying to give their store a better rating. in most cases you just plug in the hdd, run some diagnostics like a surface scan, make sure it partitions and formats alright...and most likely it'll be fine for the next few years if you just leave it in your system. if you're still iffy about it, just buy retail boxed for a little bit more...cause there's always the chance your hdd will just die on you for no reason.