5400 RPM or 7200 RPM?

'sup

I admit I know almost nothing when it comes to hardware specifications, so I'm asking for your help:

I'm buying a new laptop, and I have the option to choose between a 160GB HDD at 5400RPM or a 100GB HDD at 7200 RPM. I have always been a PC user, so my current HDD runs @ 7200RPM.

My question is, which one is the best? capacity or speed?

Go for 160GB 5400.  100 can run out if you put tons of media on it (heck, 160 can run out too).  Unless you are gonna be using this thing for heavy stuff like games, these days no amount of storage is enough.

>>1
Want a fast system?  Buy a fast HD.  Want to store more data?  Buy a big HD.

Personally, I think slow HDs are the shit of the earth.  This is especially true for laptop HDs (which themselves are slower than desktop HDs), because of the longer wait going into and coming out of hibernation, and overall slower performance with applications, file searches, swap, etc.  Both of our laptops here have 7200 RPM 40 GB drives (more storage on the network).

On the other hand, you might have more concerns than just speed vs. capacity.  A lower-RPM HD is probably going to be a tiny bit more durable while the laptop is in motion, and will use less power and run cooler than a faster drive.

I think you also have to consider that a 7200rpm drive will use more power.

ur using a laptop u wont notice the speed

Capacity should always be valued over speed because on the user end speed is measured in responsiveness rather then RPMs. What I'm saying is that speed is relative and 5400rpm is enough for most people.

The faster your drive spins the more wear and the shorter life.
For what I know tons of mid ranged laptops are packaged with 5400rpm drives, there are things you can do with your OS and software to make the speed difference between that and 7200rpm drives less.

Make sure the size factor fits your laptop, it would be stupid to try and fit a 3.5inch drive in a 2inch form factor.

if OP's merchant can install a 3.5" drive into a laptop, more power to him ; )

USB caddies FTW!