Hard Drive Prices--bangkok Vs. Chiangmai

Suddenly my laptop hard drive is making funny noises. I just got it a year and a half ago.

Has anyone noticed what the prices are at Pantip for a 30 GB or larger laptop HD?

I wonder how much cheaper they are in Bangkok vs. Chiangmai.

This comes at a bad time. My laptop is old, and I wanted to replace the whole thing maybe in Hong Kong for best prices. But I won't be able to get there for a few months.

Actually, I might decide to get a desktop instead, because laptops are too much hassle and expense with the need to buy nonstandard components and the constant fear that the computer will get stolen. So maybe I should get a desktop sized hard drive instead, and an external box for it. What are prices like in Bkk for a good sized HD (80 GB or more)?

Worth going to Bkk for? I have a feeling CM prices are a lot higher (will check them out tomorrow)

How long can a laptop HD keep running after it starts making much louder than normal "wrrrrr" sounds?

Suddenly I fear my decisions are going to have to be made quickly...

Thanks.