Hitachi Need to Find this hard drive??

[pclearninglady]

Hi - this is my first attempt at trying to find out how to get my Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop working. Our son left it out in a rain shower ()*&^%)_) What I do know is the computer pro diagnosed that it is just the hard drive that is ruined.....so what I need is a new hard drive here is what was in this laptop:
Model: HtS548080M9AT00 - I think it is what they call a 2.5" 5400 RPM 80 GB (although I really don't play games, etc. so don't think I need that big....???
It does have the plug in piece that pulls off (just so you know) - - -

Question: Do I have to get this exact hitachi travelstar hardrive or is there an easier less expensive way to go ESPECIALLY SINCE MY SON IS GOING TO HAVE TO WORK TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR!

Thanks for any suggestions or information - I am really green at this laptop repair stuff.

[N.C.]

Hi,

You can use almost any IDE/PATA connector 2.5" drive.
You don't need the exact model.
The 80GB is not a big in these days....
I suggest to buy any IDE drive if you found one, and buy only new, not used!

Best Regards,
Janos

[pclearninglady]

thanks - so what I look for is an IDE 80 GB 2.5" hard drive?

Where is the best place to buy one that is new not used???? We are in Minnesota.

Thanks again for your help.....