The only WD drives I've ever had a problem with was back in 94, when I bought 6 6.4G drives. 4 out of the six failed. It was explained that there was a quality control issue at a plant and that it had been resolved. They sent me 4 more drives, all ran reliable for >4 years. ( I lost contact with them when I quit that job) I have had 2 seagates fail on me personally. (again, was YEARS ago) My gf's 30G Maxtor just failed on her 2 days ago so I've been farking with that all day. My last 10 drives have all been WD's, and I've never had a problem with them.

In other words, drives are mechanical in nature. Mechanical things fail. No matter WHO makes them. I agree that QC is important, but I would venture that all the major manufacturers pretty much have that under control. Just my 2¢

Mason