Well since I just lost a hard drive, I decided to take it apart. I knew what was in the inside, but it was really interesting seeing it in person. The actual disc is the most reflective thing I've ever seen. Looks better then a mirror I took some pics if anyone is interested. The server might be a little slow but be patient....

ftp://cynicx.myftp.org/computer/brokehd

 

looks liek the inside of my xbox

 

I took one apart about around '98, and it too was very shiny.
It was an 800 MB hard drive.

 

Yep they’re really reflective and the little scanner brush thingy is kind of cool. I have taken apart every part on a computer in a computer class I had. We did some testing of a bunch that were donated to the school. I was the designated smasher of any thing that didn’t work. A 2lb sledge will make quick work of anything computer related. Ever seen a 5 gal bucket filled with keyboard keys.

 

so what is the actual disc made out of? I feels like metal, I dunno if it will bend or shatter though

 

Ceramic or any of the metals.

What's really amazing looking inside one of those things is that it costs the same as a couple of bed sheets.

 

Yeah and for that matter, why are bed sheets so expensive anyway!....The sheets on my bed were 200 bucks....gimme a break...

 

dig out the magnets in the harddrive, they are VERY strong

 

holy crap!! I thought it was bolted in there somehow....the magnet was holding itself in...I'm actually afraid of it pitching my fingers now that they are out...

 

yah we use them at work to hold up notes we take etc...If you get a few of them together, you can magnetze your tools very well...also take two magnets and they will stick to eachother through your hand.

 

I see you lost an IBM drive as well. I lost 4 IBM drives in the last 2 years. I have since gone back to Seagate and no probs anymore.

You should get an old early 90s drive for some fun, where the heads actually still had to be parked.

 

Good old IBM Deskstars (Deathstars).

 

I hope you were good the last few years and pray every night that your drives survive. I have had and seen lots of people with these drives, and we were all crying as they crashed.

 

Not too shabby though....Its been running since Sept of 01, 24/7 practically.

 

The Deskstars are notorious for failing, but IIRC it was mainly OEM drives that had the problem. I could be totally wrong though, so don't quote me on that.