Optical drive compatibility?

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to upgrade from an M6 series to the z96, and I'm wondering if I can use the same opitcal drive or not. Has Asus changed their optical drive interface?

Thanks!

 

I'm not sure if the connection in the rear is the same, but they're usually different model to model..... one thing that certainly won't work is the faceplate... both physically and color wise.

Just as a note, if you're coming from an M6, I think you'll be dissapointed physically in the design and build of the Z96 - even though the power is certainly better. I wish I could suggest more to you other than consider a V6 or a V1 (the V1 won't even be out here for a while at least)... but those would be real upgrades from an M6, while I'd say a Z96 would be a likely upgrade for someone who bought an M7 (Z71).

 

Thanks for your reply. It sounds like a 'no' on the optical drive question.

Can you clarify what is dissapointing about the Z96 vs. the M6? You mention build quality, but the reviews don't seem to be too negative about the build of the Z96...

I should mention that I am forced to get a new machine because the M6 has melted the power cord and will no longer charge. I know I can just get a new power cord (I guess I could, it would hold off a new purchase for a few months), but I'm sure it will eventually melt that one too. In addition, the right hand hinge has seized up and will no longer let me open and close the screen. I had to unscrew it and lift the screen off the hinge to close the lid.

On your suggestion, I checked out the V6 (this is what I found http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=111109698&vpn=90NFBA111141806L20&manufacture=Asus ). It doesn't seem like this specific build has a Core 2 in it. It looks alright, but where does the extra $300ish go? As I recall the Geforce 7400 is marginally better than the X1600, but it seems like $300 is a lot for assembly, OS and a slightly better GPU. I wish I had more time to decide and more budget to spend, but I don't.

The V1 looks awesome, but with my M6 down for the count, I need a laptop really badly.

Thanks for your input, I'm interested to hear more details from you on the Z96.

 

The Z96 isn't as nice asthetically compared to the M6. The Z96 looks a lot like (if not practically identical to) the F3. It feels rather plain, if anything. It's not too far off from an Acer as far as looks, but better build quality.

The V6J with Merom should be out soon, if not already, though a GeForce 7400Go is more in line with an X1400 rather than an X1600.

I'm waiting for the V1 to come out. Looking forward to it. Hopefully they'll have the ATI graininess fix applied to it as well.

 

If you have any questions on build or design.. or anything else... my email is below... I'd be happy to help, but I think that's beyond the scope of the thread and easier answered through email... and please - email, don't pm.. I hate long pm's, but I can manage long emails a lot better