If you are building the notebook from a barebone system (i.e. Compal, Quanta, ...), you are right. However, major notebook manufacturers either use those companies as ODM's (i.e. Original Design Manufacturer), meaning they supply their custom designs and specs to them, or build their systems in house.
That being said; 3 mm's is a major advantage for slim notebook designs or ultra-portables.
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What's the point of it being slimmer as long as it fits the standard 2.5" drive specs?
If you are building the notebook from a barebone system (i.e. Compal, Quanta, ...), you are right. However, major notebook manufacturers either use those companies as ODM's (i.e. Original Design Manufacturer), meaning they supply their custom designs and specs to them, or build their systems in house.
That being said; 3 mm's is a major advantage for slim notebook designs or ultra-portables.
9.5mm height is a standard spec. The taller 300GB drive won't fit in many notebooks.
In fact, very few current notebooks have room for a 12.5mm drive. They mostly require 9.5mm.
To drive the point home even more: 9.5mm is the de-factor standard for 2.5" laptop drives.
HD manufacturers make 12mm drives for two reasons: 1) To fit in the few and far-between monster laptops that can hold them and 2) bragging rights.
I so want one of these.