Removing optical drive and leaving the gap open

[def_now]

I do not use the laptop's DVD drive frequently, in fact only on extremely rare occasion. Therefore, I am thinking of removing the built-in optical drive to save on weight.

However, I wonder if it is OK to leave the gap open? Or a caddy should be purchased to seal the gap up.

 

[JimKiler]

Or you could workout more. Do you think the optical drive weighs that much?

 

[Fardringle]

Have you tried weighing the drive by itself on a digital scale? Most of them weigh less than one ounce. You wouldn't even notice the difference, and leaving that bay open is just asking for dust and other foreign material to get inside the laptop..

However, if you really don't use the optical drive, then getting a caddy to seal the opening might be a reasonable option to save a bit of battery life.

 

[corkyg]

Many laptops will then allow you to put in a second drive (SSD or HDD) or even a supplemental battery in that space. Leaving it open would let more dust and dirt in. You could just tape it shut if the brand has no other available device. Removing the optical will take some load off of your battery.

 

[Burpo]

Drive weighs 6 oz. lol

 

[MarkizSchnitzel]

Drive weighs 6 oz. lol

That's the weight of a Kindle. Not insignificant.

Also, some of us are simply.. Philosophically opposed to such "obscure" and unreliable storage media. Makes me itchy when I get near it

 

[XavierMace]

I don't think it's even 6 ounces. Considering the weight of laptops that still include them, yeah, it's insignificant.

 

[ch33zw1z]

I use a second disk instead.

edit: OP leave the gap wide open if you want, or buy an ultrabay and fill the gap with an empty tray. or put tape over the gap.

Overall, it won't affect airflow through the laptop, but it will let more dust fill that area.

 

[Raduque]

I want to yank my DVD drive because I'm constantly hitting the damned eject button.