Bruno Laurent

Using the info on this page and the instruction from iPod 5th Generation (Video) Hard Drive Replacement I was able to upgrade my iPod 5G 60GByte to 240GByte in +/-30mins successfully! (1) I followed the guide on the link above to disassemble / reassemble my iPod 5G 60GByte and only used a set of 4 metal (!) guitar picks to complete the job. Please also read my comments on some of the steps for more detailed instructions / hints / comments. (2) I used a Toshiba 240GB 1.8" MK2431GAH Hard Drive to replace the original 60GB HDD. This HDD: (3) Is COMPLETELY identical in ALL physical aspects to the original 60GByte HDD <= all outer dimensions (including thickness!), overall shape and detailed shape aspects are 100% the same (I wouldn't be able to tell them apart if it wasn't for the specs on the label)! (4) Fits hence perfectly in the original case and all cables/rubber bumpers or what not fit perfectly (there's absolutely no need to buy whatever other part apart from the new/larger HDD itself) (5) After reassembly...

During re-assembly and/or after having replaced/upgraded the HDD make sure you fix the rubber side bumpers correctly on the sides of the HDD! <= They have top and bottom side which are not identical (the cross section of the rubber side bumpers looks like an "h" on its side)

It's absolutely necessary to FIRST release the black hinge holding the hard drive ribbon cable BEFORE trying to remove the the hard drive ribbon cable from the HDD ( <= in case you want e.g. replace/upgrade the HDD)

This step (and Step 8) is not required to replace/upgrade the HDD!

This step (and Step 9) is not required to replace/upgrade the HDD!

I successfully opened my iPod 5G 60GByte with 4 metal guitar picks (these are ultra thin and have a very strong tip to pry in between the plastic front and the metal back/casing)! Make sure you work on the metal back/casing and NOT on the plastic front <= using the (metal) guitar picks pry in between the the plastic front and the metal back/casing with a steep angle (almost 90 degrees with plastic front and hence almost parallel to the sides) downwards so that the sides of the metal back/casing "open up" / bend outwards. The plastic latches of the plastic front than come loose automatically. Once you finished one side the rest follows almost instantly. DO NOT TRY TO PUSH THE PLASTIC LATCHES FROM THE PLASTIC FRONT INWARDS! It took ME less than 10 mins to separate the plastic front from the metal back/casing this way! Thanks for the tip Casey!