Macbook Pro Hard drive upgrade

Thought I would post a blurb about something I did a few months back. Yep, it was another tech-filled adventure by yours truly. I was in need of an upgrade on my computer to run and play with some new operating systems such as Windows 7 and Ubuntu Linux, but with my current 160GB hard drive, I was pushing the limits of its storage capacity. So as soon as my warranty expired on my Macbook Pro (MBP), I went on the hunt for a bigger, faster internal hard drive.

Was there something seriously wrong with the one I had? NOPE.

Was I looking for something to test my inner-tech hunger by pulling out all stops and tearing apart my laptop to increase the capacity and performance? YES.

I didn't have to look too hard find some other instructions, DIY guides and tutorials on how to upgrade it (as most hard-core geeks do this all the time). All I needed was a trusty site I have used in the past -  http://macsales.com/. I've used this site for both purchasing stuff (many sticks of RAM throughout the years, a replacement ipod battery kit (see this post) as well as some killer external hard drive enclosures) as well as just using for reference/guidance when attempting to install new /replacement hardware. The great thing about this site is the FREE video tutorials. If you have a need for upgrading an Apple product, they probably have a video instructional guide to help you along.

To get into the geek-tails, I scored a 320Gb, 7200RPM, 16MB cache, Seagate Momentus internal 2.5" SATA hard drive, model ST9320421AS. I got this at http://newegg.com for $85 at the time (at the time of this post, the same drive is $69!!) Using this video guide from MacSales, I tore apart my MBP, installed the drive and re-assembled it in about 45 minutes flat. This was one heck of a deal and should last me a LONG TIME. If you have a Mac (or PC for that matter) that is running low on hard drive space, I encourage you to save a few bucks and install a hard drive yourself!

For your visual pleasure, I have attached some pics of the momentous event:

Guitar Hero World Tour!

Ever played it? If haven't, you should. This is probably the best game/toy I've played in many, many, MANY years. Guitar Hero World Tour is one of the latest game put out by RedOctane/Activision. There have been many iterations of Guitar Hero since the first Guitar Hero I. There has been Guitar Hero II, III, World Tour, Rock The 80's, Aerosmith and soon to be released Metallica.

Being a musician, I enjoyed Guitar Hero III (the 1st guitar-based game I've ever played) but hit a plateau after I breezed through the Easy and Medium levels. I found the jump from Medium to Hard level was simply to big and honestly never took the time and dedication to 'learn' the guitar past that level.

World Tour combines the elements of a 'band' into the Guitar Hero platform with a low learning curve.  The 'kit' comes with a wireless guitar, drums and yes, a microphone! With all these elements, it's great for a social/party-type environment. As a matter of fact, within a few weeks of getting this, I convinced asked a neighbor to host a Guitar Hero party...they did and IT WAS A BLAST!

It was all adults and we all took turns singing, drumming and playing guitar and bass. Each person could play at their own level so its became fun for for everyone! There were about of us 5 families taking turns so we ended up playing all night 'till about 1am! Truly a great time.

Months later, I still enjoy the game. I've completed all the songs in 'career' mode on Medium level and am about halfway through on Hard! Some songs are harder than others but I am definitely not getting bored of it. What's even better is the fact that you can download new songs -  so the game stays fresh. My young boys love it and often have their friends over to play on it as well.

Overall, I highly recommend buying or playing this game; the more people the better in my opinion.