New Hard Drive Help (specs stuff)

I have an 1805 - S253, I want to replace the hard drive, im 99% sure the hd went bad on me here, long story (bsd inaccessable boot device, loud hd clunks then went out, chkdsk errors like crazy before dying etc) so I am pretty sure it was the hd, but it is worth trying to replace to confirm, especially if it does fix this, worst case I get an external storage case and turn it into a portable drive for fun

Anyways I need some help and clarification on what will work specs wise as this is my first hd purchase for a laptop and specs wise i wanna make sure I match it up correctly.


Mine says (from the toshiba site spec sheet)

its a 4200rpm
15 gig
2.5
9.5mm
ATA 4 Enhanced IDE
(actual number off my hd is MK1517GAP)

Ok so I am on the hunt for a replacement, first off I don't care about size I can stay in the 15-40 gig range and still be totally fine, would like to if it won't cause heat issues go upto at least a 5400rpm though...

Second the ATA 4 thing, am I correct in my guessing that ATA is backward compatable? So if I buy an ATA 6 it will work in my ATA 4 laptop?

If so - ok I know I need something ATA 6 (to replace my ATA 4), but im not finding ATA 4 interface anywhere, so ATA 6 if that works, and 5400 rpm with 15 to 40 gig.

Size wise 2.5 - are their different height 2.5 drives? Mine says 9.5mm height & 2.5. Yet when I look at newegg and such I don't see height mentioned just form factor 2.5 (how can I tell what the height is or are all 2.5's standard 9.5mm height).

I will most likely from reading here stay AWAY from a Toshiba replacement...

Just going to newegg tho as a base starting point I can set parameters in a search and these 2 looked interesting, just not sure if the ata thing i mentioned is correct and if the 2.5 mentioned is 9.5mm and if the 5400 will bet too hot and I need to use a 4200 like it has in it already?


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...14#DetailSpecs

OR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...41#DetailSpecs



Thanks for ANY advice or help on this, just hate to order something up and have it be the wrong fit or part size specs wise.

Oh also how can I confirm what the max size my laptop can handle is? Hate to buy a 40 gig and find out even with newest Bios update that it can only see 32 gig or whatnot...


I am not against using a different company besides newegg, I just used their site as reference here, so any links to any places that have something that will match up and work with my Satellite are greatly appreciated.

Bill

OMG what a cool link and TONS of choices and info thanks SO much on that!!!!!!!!!

I did notice this said for the 1800-S253, will these still work fine with my 1805-S253?

UPDATE

I went back into that page and did a quick start over check for upgrades and did find the 1805-S253 model page

http://www.drivesolutions.com/cgi-bi...&itemid=tol504

Bookmarking page now...

This was a drive i saw that says its for my 1805-s253, decent price, 5400 40 gig, says it will fit etc

http://www.drivesolutions.com/cgi-bi...id&itemid=lu13

Silly question i guess but who makes these drives and are they new?

Anyone with experience from ordering with this company?

Hey I appreciate it alot thanks, will call them up and see what drives they are specifically the one that meets my specs and is in my price range above there, and who knows this place could be a great source for others here looking to upgrade or replace a bad hd.

Bill