The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
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  1. random57

    random57 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay well I want to buy the new Dell Vostro 1700 with the WUXGA screen, only I also want the Blu Ray drive in the Inspirons, what are my chances of just buying the Vostro and then installing a 3rd party drive like this one: http://store.pcpowerzone.com/pablujslsllo.html

    How can I figure out if the above drive will be compatible?

    Secondly, is there a way to find out exactly what drive Dell is using in the Inspirons? Word on the street is that the vostros and Inspirons are the exact same dimensions, which would mean that drive should be compatible right?

    Any help would be very much appreciated. . .
     
  2. f4ding

    f4ding Laptop Owner

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    It should be compatible. As far as I know, the drive is the regular 12.7mm height, which is what the Vostro or Inspiron (and Compal etc) would use. I have never heard the Inspiron and Vostro using the slimline ODD (9.5mm) like T60/61 or Z60/61, and a few others. I think the m1330, and the SZ use the slimline too.
     
  3. f4ding

    f4ding Laptop Owner

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    But you might want to make sure the face plate isn't in some strange shape, otherwise the face plate of the drive might look weird or worse yet not fit on your machine.
     
  4. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    As mentioned, the face plate will be missing and it'll look very awkward, as if there was a hole :p
     
  5. random57

    random57 Notebook Enthusiast

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    it will or it might? So how can I get a drive that will fit correctly and flush?
     
  6. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I'm very sure it won't, because all notebooks have a OD that has its own custom faceplate bezel that will only fit that notebook and be flush. A generic drive will not have it and will not be flush.
     
  7. w_tanoto

    w_tanoto Notebook Consultant

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    exactly my problem is.....
    I want to install Blu-ray (actually more like replacing) on HD DVD-based laptop (Pavilion HDX), but a lot of people said it would not be compatible. I am considering of using BD drive spare-part from either HP's business laptop line or VAIO AR series line.

    Edit: Actually, I found your finding (the panasonic BD drive) interesting, and cured my headache. I might buy HDX with regular DVD writer, then install it. Thanks