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    Is there a Bluray RW compatible with the new XPS17 systems

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Penchaud, Apr 2, 2011.

  1. Penchaud

    Penchaud Notebook Consultant

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    I have purchased one at maximum specs, but they don't offer a Bluray RW just ROM.

    Is there any internal ones out there which will work with an XPS 17 system?
     
    Penchaud, Apr 2, 2011
    #1
  2. somms

    somms Notebook Evangelist

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    BD-5740H Halogen free | Sony Optiarc

    BD-5740H just became avail...
     
    somms, Apr 2, 2011
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  3. Penchaud

    Penchaud Notebook Consultant

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    Hey, thanks man.

    And, you're certain it can fit and work with an XPS 17 system?

    Where, can I purchase it from. I'm in the UK.
     
    Penchaud, Apr 2, 2011
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  4. ZippoMan

    ZippoMan Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes, it does.
     
    ZippoMan, Apr 2, 2011
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  5. Penchaud

    Penchaud Notebook Consultant

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    You installed it and it works? ^
     
    Penchaud, Apr 2, 2011
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  6. ZippoMan

    ZippoMan Notebook Evangelist

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    They are universal. It works fine.
     
    ZippoMan, Apr 2, 2011
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  7. Penchaud

    Penchaud Notebook Consultant

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    My only concern is the end bit of my optical drive is curvy and the BlueRW above is flat. Will it still go inside?
     
    Penchaud, Apr 10, 2011
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  8. ZippoMan

    ZippoMan Notebook Evangelist

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    The Sony's black face plate pops off, and the silver Dell one goes on. The clips are universal.
     
    ZippoMan, Apr 10, 2011
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  9. Penchaud

    Penchaud Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for your replies ZippoMan.

    How do I like Dell's face plate (as you put it) off?

    Does this mean when I do that and put the Dell's one it will display it's only compatible with DVD/CD-ROM? :( I like it indicating it can play Blu Rays! :(
     
    Penchaud, Apr 11, 2011
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  10. Penchaud

    Penchaud Notebook Consultant

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    Anyone know where I can buy the bezels?
     
    Penchaud, Apr 20, 2011
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  11. mavericke

    mavericke Notebook Consultant

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    What about Amazon or eBay?
     
    mavericke, Apr 20, 2011
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  12. ZippoMan

    ZippoMan Notebook Evangelist

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    The face plates are standardized. You can remove the Dell face plate from the drive they sent, and install it onto whatever SATA optical drive you purchase.

    The face plates are kind of tricky to remove so take your time. There are 4 tabs holding it in place. Try to wiggle each tab loose one at a time and then it should pop off.
     
    ZippoMan, Apr 20, 2011
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  13. ZippoMan

    ZippoMan Notebook Evangelist

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    Here is what the Dell face plate looks like removed. I circled where I'm pretty sure the tabs are.

    [​IMG]
     
    ZippoMan, Apr 20, 2011
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  14. Penchaud

    Penchaud Notebook Consultant

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    Zippo man, thanks for that.

    The optical drive I am getting is the same, a DVD one. I don't wan to stick the face plate on a Blue Ray RW because it won't have the Blue Ray marker.

    You say they're standardised. So, can I just buy the Sony BR drive suggested in this thread and stick it into the system without removing the face plate?
     
    Penchaud, Apr 21, 2011
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  15. ZippoMan

    ZippoMan Notebook Evangelist

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    Using the non-Dell face plate won't look good at all. It'll be sunken in quite a bit, not flush at all with the body of the laptop. The DVD-RW markings are barely visible. I think you'll definitely want the OEM fit and finish vs the markings on the drive being incorrect.

    The Dell drive will have a custom molded face plate to perfectly fit the XPS 17. The aftermarket Sony drive will have a boring black face plate that doesn't contour to the laptop at all. The laptop looks much better with the OEM face plate designed for the machine. When I said standardized I meant that the tabs are in universal positions making them swappable between drives.

    Sony face plate:
    [​IMG]

    Dell face plate:
    [​IMG]
     
    ZippoMan, Apr 21, 2011
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  16. stonetrap

    stonetrap Notebook Consultant

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    The face places are interchangeable. You can pull them off and swap them.
    I'm willing to give picture proof if necessary although links such as
    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dell-XPS-L501X-DELL-P11F-DVD-DRIVE-FRONT-BEZEL-3C5FN-/220734163103?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_KeyboardsMice&hash=item3364c8089f#ht_1778wt_1139
    show at the very least they are removable and have the same fittings.
    Notice the LEDs are in the same place... Standardised fittings ;)
    I know I did with my Panasonic UJ-230 (also for sale in the UK currently)
     
    stonetrap, Apr 28, 2011
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  17. stonetrap

    stonetrap Notebook Consultant

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    For those in the UK see my thread, here
    There is a BD-RW drive compatible with the XPS 17 & it's faceplate/bezel.
    Feel free to make any offers and if you didn't want the original bezel's then I could knock some money off though you may want to keep one incase you put your original drive in a USB enclosure.
     
    stonetrap, May 1, 2011
    #17