Slot-loading DVD-burner for my Dell e1705?

I really don't like the flimsy feel of the standard 8X DVD-RW DL drive. I know that they last for a long time and stuff if you take care of them, but I would prefer a slot-loader. What are my choices?

 

AFAIN - none - you only have the tray loading option. If you are looking for slots like Apple's MBP then checkout Acer's 5672WLMi or their 8200 series

 

I think Pioneer and Panasonic make slot loading drives.

 

Newegg sells a Pioneer slot loading dvd drive (not sure if its dvd/cd-r, dvd+- r etc.)

 

do they have the same form factor? if so I would love to get rid of my flimsy dvd rw

 

Just for curiosity's sake, I'd be interested in hearing whether people have tried replacing their notebook drives with slot loading ones. I'm always scared of just shearing off the flimsy drive tray not to mention the whole exposed lens and reading assembly.

 

What you have to make sure of if you plan on getting a slot-loading drive is that your notebook takes a standard drive - as in, the benzel is in no special shape, etc. Otherwise, it won't work because you can't change the benzel.

The Dell E1705 uses a standard drive.

Chaz

 

Sometimes you can cut the benzel.

 

Installed a Pioneer K06 in my Hypersonic CX7. Works great! Should fit any laptop using the same interface. I know a guy installed one in his Dell Inspiron 9300. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827129003

 

And I did it with my 1694WLMi Acer, great drive The bezel does not sit flush but its good enough.

 

Have to be honest, I never even THOUGHT of a slot loading drive for PC's - I've seen them on Apple's but never on PC laptops.

Great find

 

Few machines come with them but they are out there. I have made them an option on all of my machines and am currently using one-love it.

 

IMO, slot-loaders are the only way to go. Thanks for all the input!

 

just curious - why? I vastly prefer tray-loaders, slot-loaders in auto applications seem to be far more preblematic. Unless you are in the habit of tossing your laptop around with the CD tray open, I'm not sure how it could be a problem.

 

Why not? I've had tons of CD players and none have caused me any problem. The trays on notebook drives are extremely flimsy. I much prefer slot-loading.

 

Can anyone comment on the noise level of the Pioneer DVR-K06?

 

It sounds just like any other drive. When installing something the drive makes a very audible spinning sound, but playing a game or watching a DVD it's unnoticeable.

 

I've had experience with 3 head units (2 pioneers and a panasonic) which stopped properly feeding CDs. And removing the CD from a slot-loader which won't feed is a lot more of a pain than a tray loader.

 

I only use quality headunits. Alpine baby. My slot-load DVD-RW is working fine and is under warranty so I'm not worried. It's also a lot snazzier than a tray

 

Keep in mind that a car is subject to a lot more vibration than a laptop, at least it should be.

As far as replacing a drive, I know a lot of removable drives have removable bezels as well as interface adapters. Take your current drive out and see if something is attatched to the back of it so that it works with your computer. Also, even if your bezel is removable, it wont work with a slot load drive since it is designed to work with a tray load. If your drive is removable and doesn't have a bezel then one of these should work fine.

Also, MaximumPC did an article on building your own laptop and they showed how to replace a dvd drive's bezel and interface adapter. It should be on their website.

 

Can anyone verify whether or not this ended up working in the E1705? I've read that it does not sit flush in some laptops; does it sit flush in the E1705?