Using T61P DVD Drive as External Drive

[MNVN]

Hi Guys,
My Thinkpad T61P died recently, and I wanted to convert the DVD Driver to an external usb one to use with my new laptop. A question I have is whether the drive is a IDE or SATA drive, as I'm not sure.

Its model number: 39T2829

I also heard Lenovo parts are not standard so not sure if something like this would work for it: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... TQ:CA:1123

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

The T61p's Ultrabay Slim uses an IDE interface, not SATA. There is a case that allows you to connect an Ultrabay Slim optical drive and convert it to USB, which allows you to plug it in as an external drive. Actually, there's at least two different methods of converting the drive for external use:

http://www.kawakami-ca.com/ultrabay_slim_usb_adapter/

This was the first adapter I used. It was traded to another forum member here for this one:

http://www.kawakami-ca.com/ultrabay_slim_usb_housing/

There isn't any part number on this housing but if you look through the eBay listings you should probably find the same type of unit. Just be sure that it says it is compatible with Ultrabay Slim or T60/T61

[MNVN]

Thanks rkawakami!

(Btw, I'm also from San Jose)

[91011]

Here are two IDE cases (with pictures) available on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-2-0-EXTERNA ... 2a079b98c5

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-EXTERNAL-CA ... 5d34119a86

I've been using a T61 drive mounted like this for several years.

[MNVN]

Thanks 91011, I'll pick up one of those.

[TuuS]

I'm considering offering these in the marketplace with drives installed, I'm wondering if there would be any interest in them from members. I'm figuring I could offer them in the price range of $25 to 40 usd depending on which type of optical drive was installed. I'm getting one sample so I can evaluate the quality, and if it looks good I'll probably have to order them in bulk to make it affordable, but if anyone is interested, the sample will be for sale as soon as I'm finished my testing.

[kremin]

I'm considering offering these in the marketplace with drives installed, I'm wondering if there would be any interest in them from members................

Hi Tuus,
I'm interested if you do stock them eventually - sounds good for my planned SSD plus Ultrabay HDD configuration.

best regards

Rick Canham
South Australia

[Fixed_Rider]

+1

Definitely interested in one!