The iBook consists of an internal aluminium chassis, onto which are mounted the working parts of the machine, and an upper and lower plastic case. The hard disk is located in the bottom left corner of the machine (as seen from the normal users perspective), and access to it is from the top. However, in order to remove the top cover, first the bottom cover must be removed, then the lower rf shield. The upper case half can then be released and removed, then the upper rf shield. The involved nature of accessing the hard disk is why the upgrade is seen as difficult, and in the process you will remove about 50 very small screws, so keeping track of where they all come from and avoiding losing them is important.

Part 1 - Lower Case Removal

a. Open the CD drawer (use a paper clip in the small hole to release the tray) and remove the two black self tapping screws which fix the CD drawer escutcheon to the tray mechanism. Tilt the escutcheon downwards and outwards to release it and set it aside. Close the CD tray.

b. Place the closed laptop base upwards. Remove the battery. Using the No 8 Torx screwdriver, remove the three obvious screws in the lower case.

c. Pry off the centres of the three feet using a flat narrow screwdriver - DO NOT FORCE - these centres will unclip easily. Remove the three screws exposed, and then pry out and set aside the silver foot surrounds.

d. Inside the battery compartment, locate the two screws on the vertical face adjacent to the battery connector. Remove these two screws.

The lower cover can now be removed. It is clipped to both the top case half and the chassis in a number of places - a gentle pressure should be sufficient to release it. Be careful if tempted to use a screwdriver to prise the case away (this should not be necessary) that the inner white painted surface is very easily scratched. As the case is released, take care that the battery ejection springs are not lost - these run in moulded recesses in the lower case. The springs will be retained in place by the grease applied to them for the whole of the rest of the job, but if in doubt, remove these with the case.

Once the cover has been removed, set it aside and remember it is easily scratched so take care to avoid dropping anything onto it.