Fork out the money for an SSD and you'll never look back.
In a laptop, they beat HDs twice over: they don't need to be slower than desktop models to save power/heat AND they aren't more expensive compared to desktop models due to size. In fact, SSDs are increasingly only available in 2.5" format.
I can't second this recommendation enough. An SSD in your laptop makes such a colossal difference that it's almost impossible to describe to someone who has never used one. :)
Thanks (and to the reply to this as well). I've been a little reluctant to shell out for an SSD not knowing what's hype and what's real. Recommendations from actual people on HN is probably enough to push me over the edge at least for my MBP.
If you were going to buy just one and use it as you primary (only) drive in your most important computer, which brand and model would it be?
I recently did build a desktop computer and chose the
Intel X25-M (80GB). Intel's SSDs are generally considered to offer very good performance, and that one seens to give the best value for money.
In a laptop, they beat HDs twice over: they don't need to be slower than desktop models to save power/heat AND they aren't more expensive compared to desktop models due to size. In fact, SSDs are increasingly only available in 2.5" format.