T40 Ultrabay slim combo drive replacement

I need to replace the optical drive in my IBM T40. It came the standard combo drive (CDRW/DVD-ROM). I've found the direct replacement as well as the more current DVD burning edition (from Lenovo), however they are quite pricey. I just saw a number of "slim" optical drives on Newegg.com from LG, NEC, etc. I'm trying to figure out if the IBM drive is the same standard size as these "slim" drives, and if I could use one as a replacement. The only reference I've seen is people have to slightly trim the front bezel on some drives, but the main body seems to be of a standard size. If anyone has successfully replaced their ultrabay optical with an aftermarket drive, please let me know which exact model has worked for you. Thanks.

 

They won't fit, they're too big. The T4x series uses the super slim 9.5mm height whereas the the ones on NewEgg are 12.7mm in height. I had a couple of the Matshita drives. They weren't that great. Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise. I would suggest an external desktop drive if you don't burn much on the road. They will offer much better quality and speed.

 

Just to add on to ZaZ's note:

Make sure you get a reputable external one and not an internal one + case ... when I tried that it was rather unstable ('crashing' every now and then)

 

I personally use this case along with the BenQ DW1620, one of the best burners ever made. It's has no fan and therefore is very quiet.

 

Thanks for the responses. At least now I can remove the standard 12.7mm "slim" drives from my list of options. Will definitely consider an external.