Replacing CDRW/DVD w/DVDRW - possible?

How would I go about finding out if there is a replacement model DVDRW that would fit in my laptop to replace the current CDRW/DVD drive? I realize that I'll have to probably swap faceplates.

 

As long as you don't have an unusual optical drive, such as IBM's, NewEgg.com sells the standard dvd burners for notebooks at a very reasonable price, $85. Here is the link, it has many good ratings. I'm not even sure if you can switch faceplates, but generally there isn't too much of a gap.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152048

Matt

 

Here are all options:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...rice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=5&Submit=Property

 

you could buy an external DVD drive if you can't be bothered intalling an internal one!

 

For most notebooks swapping the internal optical drive is a triviality. An external drive with it's cable clutter is much more annoying.

 

I agree, the general point of a notebook is to remove all the clutter of cables and cords and bulkiness of a desktop and maintaining portability. I hate it that you have to plug it in to charge it so for me I would definately try the internal drive before going with an exteranl one. In most cases the gap is minimal and not a big deal.

Matt

 

Is there any option besides buying from IBM/Lenovo when it comes to replacing Thinkpad optical drives?

 

You can get them on ebay or other places, depending on which model you have. I know it is hard to find dvd burners for the T42.

Matt

 

The problem is only with their slim 9mm drives used on the latest T-series and the Z60t. Only Panasonic/Matsushi ta manufacture these drives and they are expensive. Of course they are a bit less expensive, if you don't buy from IBM, but still cost a lot. Especially considering that they aren't that good either (low burning speeds, various features missing on many models, occasional reports on read/write quality problems). That's the price you pay for them being that slim. I bet many IBM users would prefer NOT to pay that price, and would wish for IBM/Lenovo to design their thin-n-lights a bit differently. Note that the other IBM laptops - R series, G series (shudders), Z60m - use standard 12mm drives and you have plenty of choice here.

 

IBM burners are also picky on media and cannot be region coded which causes issues. For a ThinkPad T an external is the best option in my opinion.

 

dr_st, are you sure that the R-series ThinkPads, and particularly
my R52, come with standard 12.5mm ODDs? I'm asking that 'cuz
I'm worried about future upgrades. My ThinkPad R52 came with
an LG combo drive, model: HL-DT-ST RW/DVD GCC-4241N with
the following specs: 8x DVD read, CD-RW 24x/24x/24x. Now I
think that I should not have ignored this aspect of the machine
when I was shortlisting my favorites.

Right now, I'm using an LG-4167B DVD-Writer with a USB external
enclosure, so there's nothing to worry about. But, in near future,
I may opt for a slot-loading Pioneer DVD-writer for my laptop if
it supports the standard 12.5mm configuration.

One more question. Why is that the original parts are so much
more expensive when compared to equivalent aftermaket items?
For example, IBM/Lenovo charges INR 9,612/- (US$218 approx)
for 512MB PC2-4200 DDR2 SODIMM module. While I can get any
Kingston or Transcend 512MB SODIMM for approx US$58 in my
country. Why so much of a difference? They're openly ripping
us off.

 

I'm pretty sure, yeah. Can someone confirm?

 

Every R series I have seen has the 12.7mm drive. If you want to look up your machine on Lenovo's website you can find out what drive it is.

 

I looked at the Tabook and all the R52's use the "Ultrabay Enhanced", which is 12.7mm and should accept standard drives. However, I must correct my early statement - R50e, R51e and the G-series use non-removable 12.7mm drives. You may still be able to remove them, but it may require harsher techniques.

 

Yes, my ThinkPad R52 1860-A33 (not found in tabook) uses
UltraBay Enhanced. So it means that I can get any aftermarket
slim ODD like the Pioneer or NEC and tuck it in the UltraBay?

 

Thanks to everyone for all the info.