-Does anyone know if the CD drive from a trayload iMac is standard slimline?
-If it is, can I replace the 8x drive in my Powerbook 1400cs with it?
I've tried Google, but all I come up with is sites selling iMac parts, and CD drives, and Powerbook accesories.
I have the EBM, and it works and all, but the bezel is missing, and I'd like to replace it with something better. The trayload iMac drive comes to mind, as I have one readily available. If this isn't possible, I guess I'll find another drive elsewhere.
Thanks, theMike
all the slot load uses regular laptop slimlines, apple adds a snap on board to the back to make it work with the apple IDE cable. So, all you have to do is find a laptop tray load, remover the adapter on the old, and then put the adapter on the replacement
Not sure about the 1400 though, i don't think it is a standard slimline
coius meant to say 'trayload' (not slotload) with his 'yes' I reckon, but his advice is otherwise accurate. Slotloaders use a non-standard optical mechanism, sadly.
The 8x CD EBM for PBs 1400 is not a standard mechanism, so is of no use here. Only the 12x CD EBM uses a standard slim drive. See my page on the subject.
dan k
The mechanism is different, but the form factor and interface connector is the same.
Shoot. I was looking at dan k's page, but I guess I didn't fully understand that the 8x and 12x modules are completely different. So this means I pretty much have to find a 12x module, or at least the case from one, in order to do an upgrade.
eBay, here I come, I guess.
I wrote:
Slotloaders use a non-standard optical mechanism, sadly.
to which Dr. Webster replied:
The mechanism is different, but the form factor and interface connector is the same.
I wish that were true, but I have examples of both right here in front of me and the slotloader drive is definitely not standard laptop slim formfactor. Yes, it has the standard atapi-50 micro connector, but the actual drive is shaped 'wrong' and that connector is on the wrong side of the drive. Replacing a slotload iMac's OEM optical drive is non-trivial, one needs a set of custom brackets to properly locate the drive, as well as a new non-Apple-standard cable set.
dan k