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    optical drive upgrade

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by dimmu, Dec 5, 2006.

  1. dimmu

    dimmu Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    my sister is looking for a cheap optical drive that burns cds for her toshiba satalite..it's a n old one. will basically any drive fit in hers?
     
    dimmu, Dec 5, 2006
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  2. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    What model does your sister have?

    JC
     
    NetBrakr, Dec 5, 2006
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  3. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    You could always consider an external drive--could be easier/cheaper. Provided she has usb 2.0/firewire.
     
    vespoli, Dec 5, 2006
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  4. dimmu

    dimmu Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    dimmu, Dec 5, 2006
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  5. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    I had an old Portege 4010 and a Satellite 3000, neither had USB 2.0 or a cd or dvd writer.

    I used a belkin USB 2.0 pcmcia card with an LG external 5.25" dual layer dvd rewriter. It's not the cheapest way to go but external drives are more reliable than slimtype laptop internal drives and you'll get just as fast burning on an external with an older machine (about 4x DVD).

    I don't know about US markets but in the UK the card was around £20 ($40) but could well be cheaper in the USA. The drive was £22 and the external case £10 odd. If the laptop already has usb 2.0 or firewire then the card isn't necessary.

    Good makers of drive to get in my experience are LG and Pioneer.
     
    moon angel, Dec 5, 2006
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  6. skywalker

    skywalker Business Notebook FTW!!

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    For old notebook, use PCMCIA USB2.0 along with external USB2.0 DVDCDRW. It's hard to find drive replacement for old notebooks
     
    skywalker, Dec 5, 2006
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  7. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    That's what I said! Although I'd reckon on a dl dvdrw being your best value for money these days as they are the norm.
     
    moon angel, Dec 5, 2006
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