When considering a hard drive, how important is speed?

When considering a hard drive, how important is speed?

Ali Nasri (Computer Specialist, Mac 911 Inc.) gives expert video advice on: What peripherals and software do I need to buy with my new computer system?; Why is it a good idea to buy an extra hard drive?; Do I need to purchase additional software with a CD/DVD burner? and more...

The speed of the hard drive really only comes into play if you're using applications that demand high-intensive disk access. For video editing, for gaming and for databases that need to be accessed really quickly, you'd want to get a 720 RPM hard drive. Other than that, for general office applications, internet browsing and email, a 540 RPM drive is just fine.