Apple TV Q&A - Updated June 6, 2007
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- What capacity and type of hard drive does each iPod and iPod mini use? Apple provides no official information regarding the hard drives used in the full-sized iPod and iPod mini models. However, the chart below is believed to be accurate.
- On the HD-equipped model, Apple offers an upgrade from the 256GB SSD to only the 1TB Fusion Drive. Upgrading to the 1TB Fusion Drive is free, according to Apple's configurator. For the 4K models.
- LaCie Mobile Drive 4TB External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0 Only at Apple. $144.95 All Colors. LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0 - Previous Gallery Image; LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0 - Next Gallery Image; Only at Apple.
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This may change if a third-party manufacturer manages to create a compatible hard drive, but for the time being you'll need to go to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider if you need your hard drive replaced. How to Upgrade Your Hard Drive. While it is possible to replace the hard drive on any Mac not listed above, how.
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What type of hard drive does the original Apple TV use? How do you upgrade it?
Officially, Apple reports simply that the original Apple TV has a hard drive 'for storing content locally' and no internal components are to be serviced by end users. Consequently, EveryMac.com does not recommend that one attempt to upgrade the hard drive in the Apple TV.
As originally shipped on March 21, 2007, the Apple TV was available with a 40 GB hard drive (MA711LL/A). On May 30, 2007, Apple began offering the product with a 160 GB hard drive (MB189LL/A) as well the original 40 GB configuration. Apple does not provide any information about the type of hard drive that the Apple TV uses.
However, as can clearly be seen in 'disassembly' photos courtesy of TechRestore, the Apple TV uses a standard 2.5' IDE/PATA hard drive (not SATA).
Photo Credit: TechRestore, Inc.
Obviously, upgrading the hard drive would violate the warranty, but curious hackers have found that it is quite a bit easier to upgrade the hard drive in the Apple TV than it is in the Mac mini.
The always excellent AnandTech posted a detailed 'unboxing and dissection' that includes photos and information that could be used to upgrade the hard drive. The complete article should be read in its entirety, but in brief, the relevant steps simply are:
1. Carefully remove the 'rubber bottom' from the Apple TV.
2. Unscrew the four T10 screws on the corners of the underside of the case.
3. Unscrew the four 'inner' T8 screws on the underside of the case. These hold the hard drive in place -- which also is attached with adhesive.
4. Carefully open the case, being cautious not to damage the hard drive cable.
5. Carefully peel the hard drive off the case and disconnect the hard drive cable.
As Apple did not place any restrictions on the Apple TV software to make it more challenging to copy the contents of the hard drive -- in fact, it shows up as a standard HFS volume when installed in a Mac -- creative hackers quickly learned how to duplicate the files on the original hard drive, create compatible partitioning on the new drive, and re-install the new drive with the original software in the Apple TV.
Apple Hard Drives For Sale
Complete instructions on this process are available from Engadget and MacWorld.
Site sponsor Other World Computing sells notebook hard drives that can be installed in the Apple TV and Adorama sells new Apple TV models.
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What Hard Drive Does Apple Used
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