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    Not to beat a dead horse... which slim blu ray drive should I get?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by tai1spin, Mar 13, 2011.

  1. tai1spin

    tai1spin Notebook Enthusiast

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    I ordered my XPS 17 3D in Mar. 2. I didn't get the Blu ray drive figuring I could order an LG CT21N from amazon or newegg. However, I'm wondering if there are newer models of the LG drive or Panasonic or even Sony. I'd like to order the newest model possible.

    So what are my choices and where can I get them other than ebay?
     
    tai1spin, Mar 13, 2011
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  2. tai1spin

    tai1spin Notebook Enthusiast

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    C'mon guys!! Nobody?! I just called Dell via our EPP program just to see how expensive it would be to buy the option separate from my order. $319.00 freaking dollars? Them drives must have gold in them.

    Anyone clarify if the (LG) CT30N is or something newer out there?
     
    tai1spin, Mar 14, 2011
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  3. [-Mac-]

    [-Mac-] Notebook Deity

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    [-Mac-], Mar 14, 2011
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  4. smlhoop

    smlhoop Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm looking to install the BD 5730S when I receive my XPS17.
     
    smlhoop, Mar 14, 2011
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  5. stonetrap

    stonetrap Notebook Consultant

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    stonetrap, Mar 14, 2011
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  6. tai1spin

    tai1spin Notebook Enthusiast

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    I thought about that one but it's a discontinued product on Newegg. I'm not sure how secure that makes me feel about it.

    What about the latest Panasonic UJ series? I seem to find the UJ 242 as newest release but ones I've seen have manufacture date of 2009. I'd like something manufactured late 2010 or early 2011. Anybody have any other good ideas?
     
    tai1spin, Mar 14, 2011
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  7. stonetrap

    stonetrap Notebook Consultant

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    The UJ series are reliable in my experience.
    I've had two UJ-230 drives and they've been as faultless. One is even for sale (see link above :) ) since my new XPS has built-in blu-ray so I don't need it. I'm fairly sure the UJ series are also discontinued or at least partially.

    The main issue is most of these freshly made drives are only available to OEM manufactures who would rather sell them in the machine at a crazy mark up. However even then the manufacture date of the optics in a new build can be a year or two old.
    What is it you're looking for in having a more recently made drive rather than one sitting in a warehouse for a while?
    The discontinuation of a drive can just mean that it's reached its peak in stability, and has a steady few years of reviews.

    I suppose the best bet could be to buy what fits your requirements the best, presumably reliability and support?

    Also, yes that Sony Drive would be fine in an XPS.
     
    stonetrap, Mar 14, 2011
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  8. ZippoMan

    ZippoMan Notebook Evangelist

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    If you swap an aftermarket Blur-Ray Rom/Burner are you able to reuse the silver door trim piece so that the tray mounts flush?
     
    ZippoMan, Mar 14, 2011
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  9. stonetrap

    stonetrap Notebook Consultant

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    Yup they are all fairly standardised fittings these days. Typically if the drives are the same interface you'll be okay. If you're ever looking for them they're called bezels.
    I can say for certain they are compatible with the UJ tray-loading series.
    They can be a a little delicate to pull off, as everything clicks in and out of place but the plastics stronger than it appears.
    I'm going to fit mine to the 2nd drive bay I'm replacing my optical drive with. So no one will ever know just how much of a geek I am.
    until they press the eject button
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...89-possible-add-2nd-internal-hd-xps-15-a.html
     
    stonetrap, Mar 15, 2011
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  10. tai1spin

    tai1spin Notebook Enthusiast

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    I guess I just wanted to get the newest manufactured drive to keep in line with new system. I've had great use of an LG CT21N in my current XPS 15 (L501x) which is OEM aftermarket and a previous UJ 120 for a much older fujitsu laptop.

    I guess I'm just being 'elitetist'...

    Thanks for all the great posts/answers.
     
    tai1spin, Mar 15, 2011
    #10