Getting an Optibay

Hey Guys,

So I did just pull the trigger on new 15 i7, and I want to make it even better by adding an SSD.

Where did you get your optibay tray? I've seen few on ebay but was wondering if anybody could share their experience getting one (quality, etc)

Thanks,

Arv

 

I don't have one (been thinking about it, but ultimately waiting for SSD prices to come down). But iFixit.com is a reputable source. I ordered a replacement AC adapter there for my 13" MBP.

9.5 mm SATA Optical Bay SATA Hard Drive Enclosure - iFixit

 

I have the MCE Tech optibay. It was $100 but came with an enclusre and cables to use my superdrive externally. To use the superdrive externally to play DVD movies you'll need some additional "activator" software. Otherwise they won't play. The Mac's won't recognise an external player when it comes to watching video from it. MCE Tech includes the software to enable your DVDs to play from the external drive.

Here is a portion of the readme file that came on a CD with my MCE optibay and external superdrive enclosure

The quality is decent. It looks pretty much just like the one linked to in the post above this. No quality issues other than the blue tooth adapter on my 09 17" MBP did not screw into the side of the MCE optibay very securely... but its in there good enough and it aint moving. I put a couple pieces of tape over it to be sure it wasn't going to budge.

I'm very happy having the extra capacity of two HDDin my MacBook Pro. Is a bit heavier now. I think it is from all of my data. ha. But with the SSDs you'll probably be lighter than before.

 

Thanks guys, I'll definitely look into that...

 

I'd recommend getting a NewModeUS HDD caddy. about half the price of an OptiBay. and if you still need to use an external DVD drive, get one on eBay for about $30.

it'll work more naturally. same functionality without the waste of money.

if you want to go even less, you can get one that will work just as well off of eBay for about $10.

 

I like the IBM 2.5" caddy I got from ayagroup for $20
and the Sabrent external i got from the same place for like $13

and http://forum.notebookreview.com/app...drive-dvd-player-issues-optibay-easy-fix.html

for getting the external to work with DVD Player. I've heard good things about newmodeUS too. I wouldn't get Optibay though because it's seems unnecessarily pricey.

Good luck. And for reassurance, I will never own a Mac again without having an SSD as the app+OS drive it works wonders.

 

evnhvn, is this

Sabrent EC-BSAT SATA to USB 2.0 Slimline Drive Portable Case Enclosure :: CD/DVD-ROM Enclosures ::...

the one you picked up?

 

I can't find the one dedicated for a macbook. Would this work?

IBM LB010587 2.5" SATA-to-SATA 2nd Hard Drive Caddy UltraBay :: 2.5" Enclosures :: Enclosures...

 

Yep that's the one. Fits well

Better than eBay alternatives because those usually come from China. This is a legit IBM caddy that ships from California. Any US sellers on eBay hike the price 15-20 dollars on top of the price of this one because they know people want it quick, not in a couple of weeks from the East. Plus, I can't vouch for eBay resellers.

 

Thanks! I'm ordering right now. I really appreciate your feedback

 

no problem, enjoy. SSD rules!

 

and if you need some activation software to run your external DVD player just send me a PM

*edit: nevermind, just read evnhvn post with the fix for that.

Congrats, you'll love it

 

It's been almost 6 months but I wanted to follow with Arvean concerning the IBM Hard Drive Caddy UltraBay.

- Have you received it?
- Did it fit your macbook in place of your superdrive without any problem or customization?
- Can the blutooth module be attached back to the ultrabay without any problem?
- Could you let us know your exact macbook model?

The IBM Hard Drive Caddy UltraBay seems to be such a good deal compare to the MCE Tech optibay, the NewModeUS HDD caddy or even the models on eBay!

 

Hey Shaze,

Yes, I ended up ordering that IBM Caddy, however, there's an issue. The size of the plastic enclosure is some what taller than the space inside the macbook.

With an x-acto knife and a free afternoon you can carve it to fit. Other than that it works like a charm. I'm using it on MBP 15 i7 2010.

 

Hi Arvean

Thanks for the quick reply!

Haha, I guess for the price we can't really complain.
Glad to hear that it worked. I may order it also then.

Btw, have you also ordered the Sabrent SATA to USB 2.0 Slimline Drive Portable Case Enclosure? If yes, no issue with your original macbook superdrive?

 

Ive always been in 2 minds with an Optibay. Im unsure as to what it would do in regards to extra heat in the system, and the battery life.
Has anyone had an Optibay for a while? Have you found it increases heat a little? What about battery life etc?

 

been using an Optibay setup (not bought from optibay) for 8 months now. heat is the same. battery seems about the same. 6-7 hours.

 

yep, same here, not noticing any differences. My config is SSD in the original bay and 500gb in optibay.

And to answer previous question, as far as I can remember I ordered a separate CD enclosure..

 

my configuration: SSD in Optibay, 640GB HDD in default drive bay.

SSD + storage HDD is the only way to fly.