I have been trying to source one for an old laptop I want to donate with a linux OS install. They're almost as expensive as the PC I want it for. SATA is much cheaper. I was told production on these has ceased... is this true? I would hate to think a perfectly good computer is obsolete because of one component... is it the nature of the beast? BTW, I have a not so old ZD800 pavilion laptop with an IDE drive which a RAM upgrade would be cheaper for. Doesn't seem right.

Well, I guess it's where you buy from: http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.as... http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...

The geeks.com website is very reasonable. I have been searching eBay and the local tech supply search engine staticice and they have not been forthcoming. I think I might have to ask the folks on freecycle here, because to be honest... I'd rather not spend much on this antiquated equipment. I think I might be wanting too much.

Try goodwill. Playing to the angels Les Paul (1915-2009)