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    Replacing Keyboard & Optical Drive in Studio 1535?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Aeyix, Jul 21, 2011.

  1. Aeyix

    Aeyix Notebook Evangelist

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    I've been teetering on getting a new laptop or building a desktop for a while but shouldn't spend that much money. Instead I'd rather drop a few on my 1535 and keep it going for another couple years.

    Software wise I'll be puting in Windows 7 Pro 64bit with the campus agreement we have.

    I'm going to upgrade the HDD to either a 7200rpm drive or a Hybrid drive.

    I've been having issues with my Optical Drive for a while now. It had to be replaced when I first got the laptop, and ever since I had to cancel burning a disc it makes it start up sound long after returning from sleep and the computer only recognizes the drive when is restarted or booted up. Waking from sleep it doesn't show up or function.

    Also, I'd like my keyboard to be backlit, it'd make games like StarCraft II a little easier. My keyboard isn't backlit and I don't know if it needs an extra connector or something or if it depends on the keyboard pad, the option to turn it on or off exists in the OS and Dell Mobility Software but does nothing when I switch it.

    Are any of these upgrades stupid? Can I even do them? Does anyone know this site?
    Dell Studio 8X DVD+/-RW Combo DL-8ATS K636K 1535 1536 1537 PP33L - Laptop Parts Expert
    Dell Studio Laptop Backlit Keyboard KR766 1535 1536 1537 PP33L - Laptop Parts Expert

    I'd much rather drop a couple hundred to make my laptop better for a few more years than a grand on a desktop or grand and half on a new laptop.

    Thank you!
     
    Aeyix, Jul 21, 2011
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  2. Aeyix

    Aeyix Notebook Evangelist

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    Also, what about the Express Card Slot, it doesn't look like the same shape as all the express cards out there. I'd like to get a USB 3.0 expresscard. Should any one work?
     
    Aeyix, Jul 21, 2011
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  3. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    Parts-People is generally pretty reliable, but I think you can probably get both of those parts (the drive and keyboard) for half that price on eBay...

    Assuming you get all these parts at a reasonable price (though a reasonable price is obviously subjective), I don't think it's a bad idea to put $100 or so into an old laptop if you think you can get another two or three years out of it.
     
    Commander Wolf, Jul 21, 2011
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