I did the same with a first generation MBP (bought in the summer 2006). I replaced the main HD with a Corsair V64, and replaced the optical drive with the old HDD with this kit[1]. The HDD now works in plain old ATA, but it doesn't matter. I use it for mass storage, not for speed.
The results are amazing. It takes:
- 21 seconds from cold boot to login prompt (and 5 more to get a responsive finder),
- 13 seconds to shut down, and
- 22 seconds to wake from deep sleep (2GB of RAM).
As you said, the apps launch almost instantly, including Office 2011 which was incredibly slow from the hard disk.
The results are amazing. It takes:
- 21 seconds from cold boot to login prompt (and 5 more to get a responsive finder),
- 13 seconds to shut down, and
- 22 seconds to wake from deep sleep (2GB of RAM).
As you said, the apps launch almost instantly, including Office 2011 which was incredibly slow from the hard disk.
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[1]http://www.mcetech.com/optibay/ ($99). They also provide an external USB case for the DVD drive.
Ifixit offers a similar adapter, cheaper ($60), but without the case. http://www.ifixit.com/Apple-Parts/9-5-mm-Optical-Bay-SATA-Ha...