Combo drive questions/concerns

[Ogg]

My "UJDA745" combo drive works in CD/CD-R and CD-RW modes but does not recognize any DVDs. Is this evidence enough to replace the unit? W.R.T to the last question, I'm a tad confused about the part numbers for the combo drive compatible for my T40p. The manual lists two parts: 92P6581 and 92P5993. But these parts are not available at Lenovo for purchase. However, there is a 73P3288 that appears to be the proper replacement. I read about "curved bezel" and "flat bezel" models. Anyone here with experience in this matter?

Is there a DVD/RW unit available for the T40p?

[rkawakami]

It's possible that there is some dirt/dust/contamination on the lens of the laser carriage. You could try cleaning it with one of those commerical brush doohickeys (sp?) or do what I do; cotton-tipped swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

Not sure about the differences between the two FRUs. Also, since I don't have a T4x (yet) I'm not sure whether that system looks better with the curved vs. flat bezel. It may be possible to swap out one bezel for the other as long as they are designed for the same type/manufacturer of the drive.

As far as a DVD writer is concerned, I believe you can find several eBay sellers with 9.5mm height drives. Here's one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0113520968

(Sorry, just noticed you are "up North". That seller does not appear to ship to Canada.)

[Ogg]

This one seems available to me:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0105354125

..but is it compatible with the T40p 2373-au4/g3u ???

I checked the IBM/Lenovo site for compatible parts for my T40p model, but the FRU above is not listed. It sure is a good price though!

[rkawakami]

I would say "yes" that you can use that drive in your system. The T4x systems use the Ultrabay Slim design so anything that the seller guarantees for those systems should work in your T40p. Info about all of the various Ultrabays can be found:

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/UltraBay

Since they appear to have IBM labels on them, you shouldn't have to worry about swapping the drive "caddy" or connectors.

[Ogg]

Thanks for the wiki link. I keep forgetting to look around there. Some of my further search seems to indicate that the FRU 39T2675 is intended for the T43. So.. are you saying that the same CDRW/DVD part will operate in the T40p? Inotherwords, any Ultrabay Slim device will work in the T40p?

[rkawakami]

Any device deemed to be an IBM Ultrabay Slim should work. Also, short of a special or custom driver required by the drive, I don't know of anything that would prevent you from installing any 9.5mm drive into your system, as long as it has the correct rail (caddy), IDE connector and bezel.

Note, my experience has been with the 600 and T2x systems. They are two different Ultrabay designs (Ultraslimbay and Ultrabay 2000). I've taken non-IBM combo drives and DVD burners and installed them into the 600X and T23 systems by simply swapping the caddy, connector, and sometimes altering the front bezel (notching them for the Ultrabay 2000). The UJ-840D in the T23 I'm currently using came with a mounting bracket for another system (Toshiba, I think) and a full-face, flat bezel. I removed the bracket, transferred the Ultrabay 2000 mounting rails and connector, and then used a Dremel to cut the front bezel so it fits into the Ultrabay 2000. No other changes (software or hardware) were needed.

[bontistic]

To the OP,

Please take note that the link you provided is only a CD-RW/DVD Combo and not a DVD Writer.

This one seems available to me:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0105354125

Also, the difference between the flat and curved bezel is the faceplate. Basically either will work, if you can manage having a little edge protruding on the right side of your T40p.

[Ogg]

I'm aware that the model is just a CDRW/DVD. I primarily need the CDRW feature. I looked into the Multi drives with DVDRW capability, but the maximum of 2x for writing is pretty slow. Money is better spent on an external DVD writer with faster specifications.