notebook DVD to USB converter

If this has been asked & answered before I apologize, I don't see a search option.

I have a notebook that does not have an optical drive built in. I also have a Dell Latitude D600 with a removable optical drive. What I would like to do is use the Dell optical drive with the notebook that does not have an optical drive. Is there an adapter available that will connect the optical drive to a notebook through the USB port?

 

Try to google for USB converter or adapter 5.25".

There are universal adapters which allow you to connect 1.8", 2.5", 3.5" hard disks (ide and/or sata) and 5.25 optical drives to USB.

There are also adapters which convert 5.25 slim optical drive connector to
3.5" or 2.5" IDE.

To connect the notebook optical drive with USB, an enclosure is still the most practical option (the price starts at around 20$).

 

There's this at Addonics.

Also this, but it is intended to connect to a motherboard.

Note that the connector on a slim optical drive is not the same as on the standard height drives.

John

 

To be more specific:

This part
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10574

with the adapter
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7690

probably will do (not 100% about the first part).

Alternativley, you can purchase an enclosure like this one:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6691
and replace cd-rom inside with your dvd.
Perhaps, you will be able to find cheaper enclosures without cd-rom inside.

 

Thanks for the link Ivar. The slimline box looks like what I need. I'll check some of the computer stores in town to see if they have something like this.

 

ebay is usually a better option for this kind of things (at least here, in old europe).

IMPORTANT: some enclosures require an extra power adapter to work.
It is not practical. Chose the one which can be powered from (the second) USB port, as the one I have linked to.

 

Unfortunately the notebook I would like to connect the optical drive to, a Toshiba 3490CT has only 1 USB port. The advantage of such a device is certainly preferable for any future notebooks I may come across though.

Thanks.

 

You can buy very cheap mains PSUs whch have a USB port for charging iPods or other similar personal equipment.

John