Hard drive upgrade options for mid-2007 iMac

1. What is the maximum capacity hard drive that this computer can accept? At the time of purchase, 500GB was the largest pre-configuration option, but there are now many 2TB drives on the market...

You can upgrade it to 2TB.

2. What specific specs should I look for in a replacement drive? Has anyone had a good (or bad) experience with a particular model on the market?

There are many out there, I would recommend visiting OWC and choosing any of these

3. How involved is the replacement process? Is this a do-it-at-home sort of thing? (Note that I do not have a large suction cup to pull out the screen...) If not, how much should it cost to have it professionally done?

It's quite involved and not for the faint of heart. If you are comfortable repairing notebook computers you could probably do it. If not better to have a professional do it. Here is one how to guide.

4. Is there a quick way to confirm that I have correctly identified my iMac as a Mid-2007 before buying a drive that may not work with an older model?

Sure go here and type in your serial number.

Thanks very much for the help!

Your welcome.

Roger

Your welcome.

Replacing the hard drive is not difficult at all once you get the case open. Getting those hidden clips undone can be a tad daunting. The first time I opened mine it took nearly two beers just to get the clips undone. Using an old credit card with a bit of tape on it does work, but locating the actual clips and getting enough pressure to release them is a bit tough first time round. But, once you are inside the machine it is very straight forward.




WARNING! The screws around the display are real pains in the neck and like to disappear into the machine. I used a bit of thick and gooey wood glue on the end of my torx driver to ensure they didn't disappear. It also worked for reinstalling them.




A useful tip: Get your self an empty egg carton for screws. Drop the screws from each part of the operation into one segment with a piece of paper noting where they came from. You can also number each segment so it is easy to reverse the operation for reassembly. It is also a good idea to make sure you finish the operation in one sitting. Don't pull it apart and leave it for a few days. For the first time you do one it should take around two hours by taking your time, but the next time you can do one in half an hour. Also, while you have it open, get a soft paint brush and the vacuum cleaner to remove all dust from inside the machine, very carefully, of course.


Take your time and do it right.
Good luck.

Woops! Just realised you have an aluminium iMac. However, the egg carton advice still applies.

I have the same iMac, and it happily runs on a Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB drive.

As for getting the glass out, I used two strips of gaffa tape (one laid perpendicular over the other to stop it lifting off) and carefully lifted the glass out this way, however I wouldn't really recommend it other than as a last resort