Thanks all,
I was actually wondering if there was a specific laptop parts supplier as opposed to a more generic supplier of IT kit. I guess not..but it's not a problem - it's my first laptop HDD replacement so I kinda got lost in the jungle...
In line with Fobotsco's suggestion I'm going for an IBM (all my PCs are IBM empowered in the hard-disk arena) + will use good old Dabs as per Richard's suggestion - insight are quoting a lead-time of 22 Sept, Technomatic, scan.co.uk, Novatech and all the others I have visited do not seem to stock them (including those suggested by pilotwolf and Front_Seat_Dreamer).
cheers
amofw