notebook hard drive

i replaced my thinkpad hard drive with a 5400rpm fujitsu from newegg, mostly because it had a three year warranty while the others had only one year. it seemed to run okay at first, but it was really hot, like basic tasking, internet, etc. in the 50C range, and completely idle around low 40s. it was jacking up my CPU temperature, too.

then yesterday i started noticing it making this constant, low-level sound, almost like a grating sound but not as sharp, even when i wasn't actively using it. i'd walk into the room, and i would hear it kind of "grinding," but again, not as rough, only loud (winXP power mgmt for the drive doesn't seem to be working).

so obviously i'm RMA-ing it, but what is a good 5400 notebook hard drive to get? do all the 5400s and 7200s run that hot? the 60GB 4200 that came with the notebook is way cooler, more what i would consider normal in the 30C range. i would get a seagate, but i am aware of that high-pitched motor sound they make, and i can't deal with that.

so that seems to leave hitachi, samsung, and toshiba. i'm leaning toward the samsung only because 1) i like their floppy drives :p 2) hitachi is now associated in my mind with "death star" :p and 3) it's a few $$ less than the others. in other words, no real reason. anyone have any advice? what about the toshiba with 16MB cache? is that a gimmick, or will it increase performance? i'd like to keep it at or under $100 b/c i think i can get that for the 60gb, but if the 16mb cache actually means anything, i might consider that one. thx.

I've been using Hitachi 60GB 7200 drive for quite a while on my Inspiron 8200 (replaced original 4200 30 gb drive).
Two words: LOVE IT.
Speed increase is very much obvious. Quiet, runs cool. The best upgrade my lappy had so far.
If you are replacing hard drive, it makes a lot of sence to go with the fastest available. Notebook drive are still quite expensive, so pay once and enjoy it for long time.
Just my personal opinion.

thanks, i think i'll try the hitachi then.