|
General » rec.autos.driving » OT: Also need some computer giudance
| OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #794903] |
Tue, 19 February 2008 19:34 |
|
Sorry about the off topic post, but after reading the other one about
opening the image files, I thought I'd ask:
The short of my problem is that my DVD+/-RW drive in the desktop
computer will nolonger read nor write to DVDs. It will read/write CDs
OK, but not a DVD. I've read up on the problem and have found that the
hs-dt... something or other DVD+/-RW drives that are OEM on many
computers (such as this one) are junk anyway, so I guess that
replacing the drive in in the offing.
After doing some checking online, my dilemma is whether to get a
internal drive or a external drive that connects via the USB 2.0 port.
The plus to the external drive is that it can also be used with my
laptop which also has one of those hs-dt... crappy internal drives
that sounds like it is beginning to fail (this is the second drive for
the laptop as the first one was replaced under warranty). So my
question is does anyone have any experience with the external drives
and if so, which brands are best? I've seen drives from Sony, LG and
even Pioneer and knowing which brands are best would help.
F ools
E gomaniacs &
M orons
A ssociation
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #794906 ] |
Tue, 19 February 2008 19:53 |
|
On Feb 19, 1:34 pm, necromancer
<55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
> Sorry about the off topic post, but after reading the other one about
> opening the image files, I thought I'd ask:
>
> The short of my problem is that my DVD+/-RW drive in the desktop
> computer will nolonger read nor write to DVDs. It will read/write CDs
> OK, but not a DVD. I've read up on the problem and have found that the
> hs-dt... something or other DVD+/-RW drives that are OEM on many
> computers (such as this one) are junk anyway, so I guess that
> replacing the drive in in the offing.
>
> After doing some checking online, my dilemma is whether to get a
> internal drive or a external drive that connects via the USB 2.0 port.
> The plus to the external drive is that it can also be used with my
> laptop which also has one of those hs-dt... crappy internal drives
> that sounds like it is beginning to fail (this is the second drive for
> the laptop as the first one was replaced under warranty). So my
> question is does anyone have any experience with the external drives
> and if so, which brands are best? I've seen drives from Sony, LG and
> even Pioneer and knowing which brands are best would help.
>
> F ools
> E gomaniacs &
> M orons
> A ssociation
I'd suggest an LG if you're looking for a drive that won't soil the
sheets on you in short order. Most of my experience has been second
hand from a good friend of mine, who is a tech. He uses LG drives
with great success in countless machines, including every one I've had
since in the past 10 or 15 years.
I'd also go internal, more for convenience than anything. How many
USB ports does your computer have? What about the laptop? How many
do you regularly use? If your keyboard and mouse connect USB you can
get an adapter to plug them into the traditional ports, but it comes
with a response time penalty that is, to me, unacceptable. Is your
printer connected USB? Do you have digital cameras or ipods that you
connect regularly? How does your vid cam connect? If you're going to
have to disconnect things to connect other things on a regular basis
you should consider that when considering external. If you've got 10
USB ports, or more patience than me, this may be a non-issue.
|
|
|
| Re: Also need some computer giudance [message #794909 ] |
Tue, 19 February 2008 20:05 |
|
"necromancer" <55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote in
message news:jl7mr3dsf9jpt8k7ki2r23vln8vdtb1obn [at] 4ax.com...
> Sorry about the off topic post, but after reading the other one about
> opening the image files, I thought I'd ask:
*snip*
One thing you didn't mention -- is it IDE or SATA?
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #794920 ] |
Tue, 19 February 2008 20:55 |
|
On Feb 19, 1:34=A0pm, necromancer
<55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
> Sorry about the off topic post, but after reading the other one about
> opening the image files, I thought I'd ask:
>
> The short of my problem is that my DVD+/-RW drive in the desktop
> computer will nolonger read nor write to DVDs. It will read/write CDs
> OK, but not a DVD. I've read up on the problem and have found that the
> hs-dt... something or other DVD+/-RW drives that are OEM on many
> computers (such as this one) are junk anyway, so I guess that
> replacing the drive in in the offing.
>
> After doing some checking online, my dilemma is whether to get a
> internal drive or a external drive that connects via the USB 2.0 port.
> The plus to the external drive is that it can also be used with my
> laptop which also has one of those hs-dt... crappy internal drives
> that sounds like it is beginning to fail (this is the second drive for
> the laptop as the first one was replaced under warranty). So my
> question is does anyone have any experience with the external drives
> and if so, which brands are best? I've seen drives from Sony, LG and
> even Pioneer and knowing which brands are best would help.
>
> F ools
> E gomaniacs &
> M orons
> A ssociation
I'd go with a an External drive because you can use it for your Laptop
& Desktop as well any new machine you might buy in the future,
Externals are far more flexible IMHO. I use a Sony and a LaCie for my
computers and I'd highly recommend either of them, the Sony is
probably less expensive and more readily available at your basic
electronic stores.
If you don't have many free USB ports you may want to look in to a
drive that you can use from a Firewire port as well (Provided your
laptop & desktop have those ports), this gives you even more
flexibility although it may cost a bit more.
Jim K. Georges
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #794985 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 01:06 |
|
necromancer wrote:
>Sorry about the off topic post, but after reading the other one about
>opening the image files, I thought I'd ask:
>
>The short of my problem is that my DVD+/-RW drive in the desktop
>computer will nolonger read nor write to DVDs. It will read/write CDs
>OK, but not a DVD. I've read up on the problem and have found that the
>hs-dt... something or other DVD+/-RW drives that are OEM on many
>computers (such as this one) are junk anyway, so I guess that
>replacing the drive in in the offing.
>
>After doing some checking online, my dilemma is whether to get a
>internal drive or a external drive that connects via the USB 2.0 port.
>The plus to the external drive is that it can also be used with my
>laptop which also has one of those hs-dt... crappy internal drives
>that sounds like it is beginning to fail (this is the second drive for
>the laptop as the first one was replaced under warranty). So my
>question is does anyone have any experience with the external drives
>and if so, which brands are best? I've seen drives from Sony, LG and
>even Pioneer and knowing which brands are best would help.
Previous posts have addressed the issue of convenience of Internal
versus USB, so I'll save the bandwidth.
My suggestion would be an external burner, as it can be moved from
machine to machine with relative ease. While an internal burner frees
up a USB port, it's a bit more of a PITA to replace. Also, when the
burner inside the external case dies, you can usually replace that
burner with an internal model, saving the cost of another external
case. While my desktop and two lap tops all have internals, I never
use them, instead using the external. I actually have a Lite-On $100
special from Wal-Mart which I've been very pleased with; it performs
as well as any of the models I've used. :-)
When I started burning, the only options you had were SCSI based, and
I was paying extra for the pro-sumer equipment ($600+). :-)
That Wally-world Lite-On sub $100 special should be sufficient for all
but the most demanding needs. My only complaint about it is that it
doesn't support DVD-RAM like the internals on my lap tops do, but
considering the plethora of memory cards I now tote that's not a big
complaint.
--
People don't confuse me with someone who cares.
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #794988 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 01:11 |
|
On Feb 19, 1:34=A0pm, necromancer
<55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
> Sorry about the off topic post, but after reading the other one about
> opening the image files, I thought I'd ask:
>
> The short of my problem is that my DVD+/-RW drive in the desktop
> computer will nolonger read nor write to DVDs. It will read/write CDs
> OK, but not a DVD. I've read up on the problem and have found that the
> hs-dt... something or other DVD+/-RW drives that are OEM on many
> computers (such as this one) are junk anyway, so I guess that
> replacing the drive in in the offing.
>
> After doing some checking online, my dilemma is whether to get a
> internal drive or a external drive that connects via the USB 2.0 port.
> The plus to the external drive is that it can also be used with my
> laptop which also has one of those hs-dt... crappy internal drives
> that sounds like it is beginning to fail (this is the second drive for
> the laptop as the first one was replaced under warranty). So my
> question is does anyone have any experience with the external drives
> and if so, which brands are best? I've seen drives from Sony, LG and
> even Pioneer and knowing which brands are best would help.
>
> F ools
> E gomaniacs &
> M orons
> A ssociation
You've gotten some advice, but here's an option I haven't seen
suggested yet - why not buy an internal drive, and also an IDE to USB/
Firewire external housing. best of both worlds. You could probably
put something together cheaper than a purpose built external drive,
and last time I was in Micro Center they had takeout DVD-RWs for dirt
cheap, I think $30-40? case might be another $40-50 who cares if it
fails in a year, by that point it'll have paid for itself if you use
it a lot. The case can also be used in a pinch to recover data from a
hard drive if the HDD is still functional but the OS has been
corrupted beyond repair (BTDT)
nate
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #794999 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 02:11 |
|
On Feb 19, 1:53 pm, "DanK... [at] gmail.com" <DanK... [at] gmail.com> wrote:
> On Feb 19, 1:34 pm, necromancer
>
>
>
> <55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
> > Sorry about the off topic post, but after reading the other one about
> > opening the image files, I thought I'd ask:
>
> > The short of my problem is that my DVD+/-RW drive in the desktop
> > computer will nolonger read nor write to DVDs. It will read/write CDs
> > OK, but not a DVD. I've read up on the problem and have found that the
> > hs-dt... something or other DVD+/-RW drives that are OEM on many
> > computers (such as this one) are junk anyway, so I guess that
> > replacing the drive in in the offing.
>
> > After doing some checking online, my dilemma is whether to get a
> > internal drive or a external drive that connects via the USB 2.0 port.
> > The plus to the external drive is that it can also be used with my
> > laptop which also has one of those hs-dt... crappy internal drives
> > that sounds like it is beginning to fail (this is the second drive for
> > the laptop as the first one was replaced under warranty). So my
> > question is does anyone have any experience with the external drives
> > and if so, which brands are best? I've seen drives from Sony, LG and
> > even Pioneer and knowing which brands are best would help.
>
> > F ools
> > E gomaniacs &
> > M orons
> > A ssociation
>
> I'd suggest an LG if you're looking for a drive that won't soil the
> sheets on you in short order. Most of my experience has been second
> hand from a good friend of mine, who is a tech. He uses LG drives
> with great success in countless machines, including every one I've had
> since in the past 10 or 15 years.
>
> I'd also go internal, more for convenience than anything. How many
> USB ports does your computer have? What about the laptop? How many
> do you regularly use? If your keyboard and mouse connect USB you can
> get an adapter to plug them into the traditional ports, but it comes
> with a response time penalty that is, to me, unacceptable. Is your
> printer connected USB? Do you have digital cameras or ipods that you
> connect regularly? How does your vid cam connect? If you're going to
> have to disconnect things to connect other things on a regular basis
> you should consider that when considering external. If you've got 10
> USB ports, or more patience than me, this may be a non-issue.
The desktop has 8 USB 2.0 ports and I think 7 of them are in use and I
can probablly use a hub for the lesser used devices (or just
disconnect them all together) to free up another port for a DVD burner
if needed. The vid camera connects to the 1394 port and I use SD cards
with the still camera (I don't have an Ipod). As for the laptop, it
has 4 USB 2.0 ports and I generally only use one of those (with a
trackball as I hate touchscreens).
I'll take a look around for the LG drives. Thanks for the
recommendation.
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795018 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 02:45 |
|
|
Post removed (X-No-Archive: yes)
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795070 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 07:25 |
|
On Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:45:39 -0800, Scott in SoCal
<scottenaztlan [at] yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>Are you THAT poor that you cannot afford TWO replacement DVD-ROM
>drives? Standard HH internal drives are like $50 these days, and the
Or maybe too lazy to have to disconnect this desktom from all the BS
that its attached to and then lug it to the shop to have the repair
done - to say nothing of having to hook all this crap back up again.
And around here, the shop would probablly have the computer for
atleast 2 or 3 days before they get around to the installation.....
>laptop one probably isn't much more (assuming you actually end up
>needing one). If you're truly destitute, I might have a spare drive or
>two lying around here that I could give you. :)
Thanks for the offer, but I have been looking at some drives using
something called, "Blu-ray," to get to use with the computers (they
are quite a bit more expensive).... ;)
C orny
A lmanac of
L eftcoast
R oads
O btuse &
G rainy
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795098 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 15:35 |
|
|
Post removed (X-No-Archive: yes)
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795107 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 16:13 |
|
On Feb 20, 9:35 am, Scott in SoCal <scottenazt... [at] yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:25:40 -0500, necromancer
>
> <55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
> >On Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:45:39 -0800, Scott in SoCal
> ><scottenazt... [at] yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> >>Are you THAT poor that you cannot afford TWO replacement DVD-ROM
> >>drives? Standard HH internal drives are like $50 these days, and the
>
> >Or maybe too lazy to have to disconnect this desktom from all the BS
> >that its attached to and then lug it to the shop to have the repair
> >done
>
> WHISKEY? TANGO? FOXTROT? Over...
>
> This "repair" is less complex than changing the oil filter on your
> car, or taking the wheel with the flat tire off and bolting the wheel
> with the spare tire on in its place. You open the PC's case, unplug
> the power cable, remove the ribbon/SATA cable, remove the mounting
> screws, and slide the old drive out. Reverse the procedure to
> reinstall.
>
> Taking your computer to a "repair shop" for this procudure is beyond
> ridiculous. It would be like going to the doctor and asking him to
> change your underwear for you. :)
>
> >Thanks for the offer, but I have been looking at some drives using
> >something called, "Blu-ray," to get to use with the computers (they
> >are quite a bit more expensive).... ;)
>
> NOW you're talking! :)
> --
> Please don't give financial rewards to trolls -
> DO NOT CLICK on any URLs containing "calrog.com"
I'm with Scott here. The entire "project" of swapping out that drive
shouldn't take any more than 5 minutes on the desktop, assuming you
take your time and spend 2 of them getting a #2 phillips. Depending
on the model of the PC there's a good chance the drive will actually
slide in and out without having to unscrew it from the chassis. 2 of
the last 3 different models of big box PCs I've worked on in the
recent past have had drives that slide in & out. I prefer screws
myself.
What's the make (and model, if you care to get picky) is the PC? More
than likely I'll tell you exactly how the drive comes out.
The laptop is a bit trickier, but still not undoable. I'd suggest
doing an internal on the desktop now and dealing with the lappie when/
if it actually fails.
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795111 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 16:32 |
|
On Feb 20, 1:25 am, necromancer
<55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
> Thanks for the offer, but I have been looking at some drives using
> something called, "Blu-ray," to get to use with the computers (they
> are quite a bit more expensive).... ;)
Do you want to write Blu-Ray, or just play Blu-Ray? I assume there is
room for at least 2 CD sized drives on the machine? A drive that will
play Blu-Ray and burn DVD/CD is a lot cheaper than a drive that will
burn Blu-Ray, which allows you do download and then burn Blu-Ray disks
for use in other Blu-Ray players.
Also, what type of connection connects your monitor to your computer?
Any idea the quality of the video card and monitor? There's a good
chance a Blu-Ray won't look any better than a DVD on your computer
setup.
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795112 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 17:00 |
|
On Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:32:01 -0800 (PST), "DanKMTB [at] gmail.com"
<DanKMTB [at] gmail.com> wrote:
>On Feb 20, 1:25 am, necromancer
><55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
>> Thanks for the offer, but I have been looking at some drives using
>> something called, "Blu-ray," to get to use with the computers (they
>> are quite a bit more expensive).... ;)
>
>Do you want to write Blu-Ray, or just play Blu-Ray? I assume there is
>room for at least 2 CD sized drives on the machine? A drive that will
>play Blu-Ray and burn DVD/CD is a lot cheaper than a drive that will
>burn Blu-Ray, which allows you do download and then burn Blu-Ray disks
>for use in other Blu-Ray players.
>
>Also, what type of connection connects your monitor to your computer?
>Any idea the quality of the video card and monitor? There's a good
>chance a Blu-Ray won't look any better than a DVD on your computer
>setup.
I'm more interested in Blu-ray for the data storage capacity than for
watching movies.
F ools
E gomaniacs &
M orons
A ssociation
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795114 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 17:06 |
|
DanKMTB [at] gmail.com wrote:
> Do you want to write Blu-Ray, or just play Blu-Ray? I assume there is
> room for at least 2 CD sized drives on the machine? A drive that will
> play Blu-Ray and burn DVD/CD is a lot cheaper than a drive that will
> burn Blu-Ray, which allows you do download and then burn Blu-Ray disks
> for use in other Blu-Ray players.
I'd definitely wait a year or so before getting a Blu-Ray burner. Not
only will reading and writing speed increase, but the price will come
down considerably (I believe that right now, blu-ray burners are around
$1k in price).
(This coming from a person who purchased his first cd-r drive in 1996
for about $380).
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795115 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 17:13 |
|
On Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:13:18 -0800 (PST), "DanKMTB [at] gmail.com"
<DanKMTB [at] gmail.com> wrote:
<< snip >>
>I'm with Scott here. The entire "project" of swapping out that drive
>shouldn't take any more than 5 minutes on the desktop, assuming you
>take your time and spend 2 of them getting a #2 phillips. Depending
>on the model of the PC there's a good chance the drive will actually
>slide in and out without having to unscrew it from the chassis. 2 of
>the last 3 different models of big box PCs I've worked on in the
>recent past have had drives that slide in & out. I prefer screws
>myself.
>
>What's the make (and model, if you care to get picky) is the PC? More
>than likely I'll tell you exactly how the drive comes out.
The desktop is a COmpaq Presario Sr1630nx and it does have two drive
bays. One with the suspect DVDRW drive and the other (AFAIK) is empty.
>The laptop is a bit trickier, but still not undoable. I'd suggest
>doing an internal on the desktop now and dealing with the lappie when/
>if it actually fails.
FWIW, the laptop is a Skell (fans of NYPDBlue will understand that
one).. errrrr.... Dell. I've done the switch in the laptop myself - it
was a matter of removing a screw, slighing the old drive out/new drive
in and replacing the screw.Kind of interested in where I'll find a
drive that fits the laptop's drive bay besides going back to Skell and
getting another crappy OEM drive. Its just cracking open the chassis
on the desktop that is intimidating....
One more question on brands: I noted that some retailers were selling
DVD drives from Pioneer. I know they are a decent brand for car/home
audio equipment (my first car had a Pioneer tape deck that lasted
untill the car up and died at 140K miles), but this is the first time
I've seen them associated with computer equipment. Anyone have
experience with their DVD drives?
C orny
A lmanac of
L eftcoast
R oads
O btuse &
G rainy
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795117 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 17:25 |
|
On Feb 20, 11:00 am, necromancer
<55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
> I'm more interested in Blu-ray for the data storage capacity than for
> watching movies.
OK. In that case you're obviously going to need a burner. This is
still a super-easy install you should be able to do yourself, even if
you go with an internal. Also, any info on the laptop can be accessed
from the desktop and burned that way with minimal effort and
networking using equipment you most likely already have if you have
both the laptop and the desktop.
It's basically down to making a selection on internal or external, and
choosing a drive. The Lite-On Blu-Ray drives (generally the least
expensive option) review pretty well, but are not as fast as some of
the more expensive competition, and they can use more processor as
well. How much this matters will vary from your use and your PC.
These things fail rarely enough and are easy enough to warranty that
I'd go with the cheaper model. Then again, I upgrade PC's about once
a year.
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795120 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 17:37 |
|
necromancer wrote:
> On Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:13:18 -0800 (PST), "DanKMTB [at] gmail.com"
> <DanKMTB [at] gmail.com> wrote:
>
> << snip >>
>
>> I'm with Scott here. The entire "project" of swapping out that drive
>> shouldn't take any more than 5 minutes on the desktop, assuming you
>> take your time and spend 2 of them getting a #2 phillips. Depending
>> on the model of the PC there's a good chance the drive will actually
>> slide in and out without having to unscrew it from the chassis. 2 of
>> the last 3 different models of big box PCs I've worked on in the
>> recent past have had drives that slide in & out. I prefer screws
>> myself.
>>
>> What's the make (and model, if you care to get picky) is the PC? More
>> than likely I'll tell you exactly how the drive comes out.
>
> The desktop is a COmpaq Presario Sr1630nx and it does have two drive
> bays. One with the suspect DVDRW drive and the other (AFAIK) is empty.
>
Its just cracking open the chassis
> on the desktop that is intimidating....
>
> One more question on brands: I noted that some retailers were selling
> DVD drives from Pioneer. I know they are a decent brand for car/home
> audio equipment (my first car had a Pioneer tape deck that lasted
> untill the car up and died at 140K miles), but this is the first time
> I've seen them associated with computer equipment. Anyone have
> experience with their DVD drives?
>
> C orny
> A lmanac of
> L eftcoast
> R oads
> O btuse &
> G rainy
While I have run across the occasional desktop computer where you have
to remove the power supply and all the cards to get to the drive bays I
will essentially agree with the other two. Today's computers are
designed to do exactly what we're talking about to make them easy (and
cheap) to build. While the 5 minute estimate may be a little low for a
first timer don't let it intimidate you. It's not that bad. Just keep
track of which way the cables came off the old drive and put them on
Take care,
Rich
God bless the USA
God bless the USA
--
That's one of the problems in this country
The nuts don't know they're nuts.
--Jeff Foxworthy
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795121 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 17:53 |
|
On Feb 20, 11:13 am, necromancer
<55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
> On Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:13:18 -0800 (PST), "DanK... [at] gmail.com"
>
> <DanK... [at] gmail.com> wrote:
>
> << snip >>
>
> >I'm with Scott here. The entire "project" of swapping out that drive
> >shouldn't take any more than 5 minutes on the desktop, assuming you
> >take your time and spend 2 of them getting a #2 phillips. Depending
> >on the model of the PC there's a good chance the drive will actually
> >slide in and out without having to unscrew it from the chassis. 2 of
> >the last 3 different models of big box PCs I've worked on in the
> >recent past have had drives that slide in & out. I prefer screws
> >myself.
>
> >What's the make (and model, if you care to get picky) is the PC? More
> >than likely I'll tell you exactly how the drive comes out.
>
> The desktop is a COmpaq Presario Sr1630nx and it does have two drive
> bays. One with the suspect DVDRW drive and the other (AFAIK) is empty.
OK, the Presario's I've worked on don't have the drives screwed in,
they are on slide/tab lock things. It's funny; I was working on one
of these for a friend within the past 2 months. The case probably
opens without any tools as well. Most of the prepackaged guys have
gone this way with home, tech, or custom built computers tending to be
the holdouts still using screws.
> >The laptop is a bit trickier, but still not undoable. I'd suggest
> >doing an internal on the desktop now and dealing with the lappie when/
> >if it actually fails.
>
> FWIW, the laptop is a Skell (fans of NYPDBlue will understand that
> one).. errrrr.... Dell. I've done the switch in the laptop myself - it
> was a matter of removing a screw, slighing the old drive out/new drive
> in and replacing the screw.Kind of interested in where I'll find a
> drive that fits the laptop's drive bay besides going back to Skell and
> getting another crappy OEM drive. Its just cracking open the chassis
> on the desktop that is intimidating....
Don't be intimidated, really!! There's nothing to it. You don't want
to drop anything metal in there and just leave it there for when you
fire the thing back up, but common sense rules here. Make sure it's
unplugged and sitting on a solid surface with plenty of light. You
may end up wanting a flashlight or desk lamp.
Take a careful look at the back of the computer. Certainly there are
screws, but do they actually go through the side cover that's going to
be removed (left side if facing the machine). They might not, or
there might be one holding it. Outside of that there may be a tab you
press/pinch, and then slide the cover back and out. That's it, you
just opened your first case.
From there you pop the front off. Again, easy enough. Look inside
the chassis from the left side, with the front of the computer to your
right. There is a tab at the top and one on each side lower down that
hold the cover on. Press the upper tab and push out the lower tabs
and the cover comes off. This sounds more complicated than it really
is, when you're looking at it it'll make sense.
Now you're ready to remove the drive. There's a tab on the side of it
that locks it in, turn the tab to unlock and the drive is free. You
can now slide it out the front. It won't reach all the way out
without unplugging the rear of the drive from the cables attached to
the motherboard.
It sounds like a lot but this whole thing should take you about a
minute, maybe a couple if you fiddle with the tabs and take your time.
While you've got the cover off (not that it'll take more than a couple
seconds in the future now that you've done it) there's one last thing
to do. Check the plug on the back of the DVD drive you have now to
see if it is SATA http://tinyurl.com/yacacj or IDE http://tinyurl.com/39nl7s
connection. You'll want your new drive to be of the same connection
type.
There's really no reason you can't do all this next time you are at
that computer, in just a few minutes. You'll get to move past the
case opening thing, and see what you're dealing with inside. I
suspect you'll come back saying "I had no idea it was that simple,
I'll just get a new drive and put it in myself".
> One more question on brands: I noted that some retailers were selling
> DVD drives from Pioneer. I know they are a decent brand for car/home
> audio equipment (my first car had a Pioneer tape deck that lasted
> untill the car up and died at 140K miles), but this is the first time
> I've seen them associated with computer equipment. Anyone have
> experience with their DVD drives?
A few people I know have had decent luck with them. I can't speak
volumes of end users like I can for LG, which is what my friend builds
all the PCs he sells with to all their company's clients. Before you
worry about which brand or model pop that side cover off and see what
kind of connection you're working with. That way you know your
options.
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795122 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 18:07 |
|
On Feb 20, 11:53 am, "DanK... [at] gmail.com" <DanK... [at] gmail.com> wrote:
> Now you're ready to remove the drive. There's a tab on the side of it
> that locks it in, turn the tab to unlock and the drive is free. You
> can now slide it out the front. It won't reach all the way out
> without unplugging the rear of the drive from the cables attached to
> the motherboard.
>
> It sounds like a lot but this whole thing should take you about a
> minute, maybe a couple if you fiddle with the tabs and take your time.
edit:
I just found a picture of your machine with the side cover removed on
cnet.com. http://tinyurl.com/2sn42w It appears rather than a lock on
this model you should just have to pull the green tab that's pressed
against the drive away from the drive a smidge and then the drive
slides forward. It also appears to be using an IDE connection, but
you want to open up your case and verify that manually.
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795125 ] |
Wed, 20 February 2008 18:26 |
|
|
Post removed (X-No-Archive: yes)
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795233 ] |
Thu, 21 February 2008 09:00 |
|
On Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:53:14 -0800 (PST), "DanKMTB [at] gmail.com"
<DanKMTB [at] gmail.com> wrote:
>
>While you've got the cover off (not that it'll take more than a couple
>seconds in the future now that you've done it) there's one last thing
>to do. Check the plug on the back of the DVD drive you have now to
>see if it is SATA http://tinyurl.com/yacacj or IDE http://tinyurl.com/39nl7s
>connection. You'll want your new drive to be of the same connection
>type.
>
>There's really no reason you can't do all this next time you are at
>that computer, in just a few minutes. You'll get to move past the
>case opening thing, and see what you're dealing with inside. I
>suspect you'll come back saying "I had no idea it was that simple,
>I'll just get a new drive and put it in myself".
OK, I did a dry run, so to speak, just to see what was inside the
computer. Opening the chassis was a mater of loosening a large screw
on the right side (as you look at the back of the computer - can be
loosened by hand). The front panel also has to be removed (three tabs
on the inside release the panel) and gently prying back the green tab
frees the drive (it comes out, but not with out a minor struggle).
The data cable is a wide thin grey cable (IDE, I assume?). I attempted
to disconnect the cable from teh drive, but it wouldn't come out. Any
trick to this or just need to pull a little harder? I may have
loosened it some as the drive appears to not have power now, the drive
tray will not eject and its not showing up in windows explorer....
A couple of pluses to this little exercise, I finally disconnected the
Zip 100 drive that was occupying one of the rear USB ports that I
haven't used in a couple of years and I relocated the 1394 cable for
the video camera from the port infront to the port in the back....
Now I guess I just need to look for a drive. I'm leaning towards the
LG over the Pioneer as I read a few comments about the Pioneer drive
not having up-to-date drivers shipped with the drive and new drivers
not on their website. I think I'll put off the Blu-ray writer for a
while untill the prices come down and the remot possibility that one
will be made to fit the laptop....
V ery
I rritating
A ddition
T o
O nline
L andtravel
O pinion
G roups
I ncluding
S ome
T trolling
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795253 ] |
Thu, 21 February 2008 14:44 |
|
On Feb 21, 3:00 am, necromancer
<55_sux [at] worldofnecromancer_no_spam_no_way.org> wrote:
> On Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:53:14 -0800 (PST), "DanK... [at] gmail.com"
>
> <DanK... [at] gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >While you've got the cover off (not that it'll take more than a couple
> >seconds in the future now that you've done it) there's one last thing
> >to do. Check the plug on the back of the DVD drive you have now to
> >see if it is SATAhttp://tinyurl.com/yacacjor IDEhttp://tinyurl.com/39nl7s
> >connection. You'll want your new drive to be of the same connection
> >type.
>
> >There's really no reason you can't do all this next time you are at
> >that computer, in just a few minutes. You'll get to move past the
> >case opening thing, and see what you're dealing with inside. I
> >suspect you'll come back saying "I had no idea it was that simple,
> >I'll just get a new drive and put it in myself".
>
> OK, I did a dry run, so to speak, just to see what was inside the
> computer. Opening the chassis was a mater of loosening a large screw
> on the right side (as you look at the back of the computer - can be
> loosened by hand). The front panel also has to be removed (three tabs
> on the inside release the panel) and gently prying back the green tab
> frees the drive (it comes out, but not with out a minor struggle).
Congratulations! Now that you've crossed that hurdle it only gets
easier. The minor struggle to get the drive out is normal, sometimes
you need to wiggle something, sometimes you need to pull a smidge
harder, it's a case by case thing. Use common sense, avoid the prybar
and you should be ok.
> The data cable is a wide thin grey cable (IDE, I assume?). I attempted
> to disconnect the cable from teh drive, but it wouldn't come out. Any
> trick to this or just need to pull a little harder? I may have
> loosened it some as the drive appears to not have power now, the drive
> tray will not eject and its not showing up in windows explorer....
That sounds like IDE. They can be a little tight to get in and out,
you may have to wiggle it a bit back and forth. There are a whole
bunch of little pins in that plug that have to be worked free. It's a
lot easier when you've got some room and slack cable, but I don't
recall Compaq providing either of those, especially in their smaller
cases. There's also a power cable going to the back of the drive.
You could have knocked that loose, which would cause the drive to stop
responding, or you could have gotten the IDE cable out enough to break
the connection, but not quite completely out.
> A couple of pluses to this little exercise, I finally disconnected the
> Zip 100 drive that was occupying one of the rear USB ports that I
> haven't used in a couple of years and I relocated the 1394 cable for
> the video camera from the port infront to the port in the back....
Nice. To be the big plus is that you're now comfortable opening your
case and doing basic part swapping.
> Now I guess I just need to look for a drive. I'm leaning towards the
> LG over the Pioneer as I read a few comments about the Pioneer drive
> not having up-to-date drivers shipped with the drive and new drivers
> not on their website.
Fair enough. I'd do the same thing, not for the drivers but due to my
faith in LG drives. Are you going to buy local or online? Local is
nice because if there's a problem you can just bring it back.
However, there are rarely problems with them out of the box, and
you'll likely save some coin online. Then again, if you've got a
small local shop they may be in the same ballpark as newegg.com and
such once you include shipping, since it's only one item. Have you
decided on a model? Make sure you specify a black face (assuming your
PC is black) when ordering.
> I think I'll put off the Blu-ray writer for a
> while untill the prices come down and the remot possibility that one
> will be made to fit the laptop....
Probably a good call. There's a whole lot of storage on a DVD anyway,
and the Blu-Ray burners will come down in a big way over the next year
or two. They'll come out for laptops eventually, but that'll be
starting the whole cycle over again regarding price, availability,
compatibility, etc.
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795258 ] |
Thu, 21 February 2008 15:22 |
|
DanKMTB [at] gmail.com wrote:
>
>
>> The data cable is a wide thin grey cable (IDE, I assume?). I attempted
>> to disconnect the cable from teh drive, but it wouldn't come out. Any
>> trick to this or just need to pull a little harder? I may have
>> loosened it some as the drive appears to not have power now, the drive
>> tray will not eject and its not showing up in windows explorer....
>
> That sounds like IDE. They can be a little tight to get in and out,
> you may have to wiggle it a bit back and forth. There are a whole
> bunch of little pins in that plug that have to be worked free. It's a
> lot easier when you've got some room and slack cable, but I don't
> recall Compaq providing either of those, especially in their smaller
> cases. There's also a power cable going to the back of the drive.
> You could have knocked that loose, which would cause the drive to stop
> responding, or you could have gotten the IDE cable out enough to break
> the connection, but not quite completely out.
>
Sometimes they also help hold them in place with a drop from a hot glue
gun, so look for that. It should just pop loose but it may take a
little more effort.
Take care,
Rich
God bless the USA
--
That's one of the problems in this country
The nuts don't know they're nuts.
--Jeff Foxworthy
|
|
|
| Re: OT: Also need some computer giudance [message #795266 ] |
Thu, 21 February 2008 15:49 |
|
|
Post removed (X-No-Archive: yes)
|
|
|
Gehe zu:
aktuelle Zeit: Thu Jan 8 04:02:15 CET 2009
Insgesamt benötigte Zeit, um die Seite zu erzeugen: 0.06591 Sekunden |
