adapter to replace laptop dvd/cd drive with hard drive?

[her34]

is there a way to replace the optical drive of a laptop with a hard drive? perhaps some sort of adapter that's the same size as a laptop cd/dvd drive, but let's you put in a hdd?

 

[corkyg]

That all depends on the brand of laptop. Some Gateways replaced the LS-120/floppy module with a 2nd HDD. IBM, I believe, has a 2nd HDD for the CD drive module. There is no standard for this - you need to explore each brand and model.

The best generic way of getting a 2nd HDD is an external Firewire or USB 2 case for 3.5" drives. That's what I use on my new HP dv1000.

 

[her34]

but many different brand laptops can take the nec slim line dvd drive. you can't use a hdd module in the same shape as the nec drive?

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: her34
but many different brand laptops can take the nec slim line dvd drive. you can't use a hdd module in the same shape as the nec drive?

It is more than shape. Module carriers/caddies are not generically universal. In addition to the form factor, the electrical connector for power and data must be an exact match.

 

[bacillus]

hmm, I guess you didn't believe the responses you got over on the Dell forums!

 

[corkyg]

Well, there are second hard drive modules for specific laptops. Example here - some Dell models.

HDD

and . . .

EZ-Bay

Google is your friend.