Laptop optical drives...

[So]

My laptop's optical drive (DVD / CD-RW) will not read DVD's any more. I've tried cleaning it to no avail, and a fresh install of windows did not fix the problem, so I am fairly confidant that it is the drive. In any case, a quick search for that particular drive reveals that used parts sell for >$200 ... upon further inspection, it seems that the drive is a standard drive with a special set of rails and a small adapter card attached to the back. I pulled the card off, and sure enough, it looks like the same port as on these drives: 1 2 3

So, is my assesment correct? Could I just order a replacement drive and attach the old rails / adapter card?

Pics of the old drive:
Top.jpg
Front.jpg
Back.jpg

Edit: Also, although I don't think I'd need to, could I transfer the old bezel?

 

[wisdomtooth]

I would get a slot-loader rather than a tray-loader so the internals won't get exposed every time you need to change a disc:

TEAC DV28SL93 DVD ROM READER

Panasonic CW-8124B DVD READER/CDRW WRITER

Panasonic UJ-845B DUAL LAYER DVDRW/CDRW SUPERDRIVE

HTH.

 

[BHeemsoth]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
I would get a slot-loader rather than a tray-loader so the internals won't get exposed every time you need to change a disc:

TEAC DV28SL93 DVD ROM READER

Panasonic CW-8124B DVD READER/CDRW WRITER

Panasonic UJ-845B DUAL LAYER DVDRW/CDRW SUPERDRIVE

HTH.

While the slot load would be nice, I think there is a risk of getting stuff stuck in there . For example, if you have a loose paperclip inside your laptop bag it could get caught in the drive.

 

[wisdomtooth]

All the Apple Powerbooks these days have slot-loaders and you don't hear Macsters bitching about it.

 

[So]

Daytime bump...I assume from my above posts that I'm right about being able to replace the drive with any of the ones mentioned though.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Yep.

Let us know how your replacement goes, and good luck.

 

[nweaver]

hmm...what laptop is that from? I have an older compaq laptop from work, and would love to swap out the old DVD drive for a DVD/CDRW drive.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Pioneer DVR-K04 - $119

Can't write to -RAM, but it's thirty bucks cheaper than the Panasonic.

- M4H