Question RE: HP Mini hard drive

[paJAMbla]

A friend at work has this HP Mini (model 1030NR):

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...832488&lang=en

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01650734.pdf

He wants to increase his storage space. I've never upgraded a laptop and can't give him a great deal of advice other than it would be better to add an HDD rather than replace his SSD in terms of getting more for his money. But can't tell him about compatible PATA drives--which this unit calls for. A little guidance in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. And would these be difficult to install into a unit like this if one has never worked inside of a notebook?

thank you

[flanzig1]

The type of HD that can go inside that unit is an 1.8 " HD. Standard laptop HDs are 2.5". So he is stuck using a semi-proprietory HD and need a special mounting bracket from HP. The cost could be as much as the laptop. Would suggest an external HD.

[paJAMbla]

yeah I mentioned an external HD Flanzig but he said there was too much stuff he wanted mobile. I think in the end this is the best option though and eventually this is what he'll end up with. Didn't realize the 1.8" internal needed a special bracket. That does complicate it. Guess he could buy a large capacity flash drive to carry around.

thanks

[rjfvillarosa]

Take a look at these. I am considering one for my wife's Asus Eee.
I missed the special they had on them a while back, they were offering the 32gig version for something like $70.
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=FTM64GO25H
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=FTM64GL25H

[mattaggie]

I realize this is too late to say, but your friend should not have bought that particular netbook if storage was a concern. You can get a netbook with a 160GB hard drive. The HP mini should have and SD slot where he could put in a 32GB card. Those cost around $100.