CD/DVD Rom Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Diane
  • Start date Start date
Diane said:
My computer is HP Pavilion model number a210n. thanks Grinder.
Click to expand...

I spoke to HP (or haytch-pee, as the tech called it) technical support,
but did not get much information. I wanted to know if a "standard"
drive would fit into that bay, or would the case-mounted eject button
cause a problem. I got three answers, all from the same tech:

1) Yes, you can use standard hardware, that's not a problem.

2) No, it will not mechanically fit.

3) You must use only HP replacement parts because we can't warranty
third party parts. (When it was pointed out that they currently don't
warranty your PC anynow, the tech thought that meant the call was over.)

I guess I should be grateful that I even got that far without a serial
number.

I also spoke to newegg about the situation. If you purchase a drive,
and it does not fit, they will be happy to have you return it. Happy
because you will be paying the return shipping and a 15% restocking fee.
(That sounds derisive, but I don't really fault them for their policy.)

My neighbor just might have a Pavilion with a case like yours, so I'll
wander over there and make a pest of myself. Report to follow.
 
My neighbor just might have a Pavilion with a case like yours, so I'll
wander over there and make a pest of myself. Report to follow.
Click to expand...

They do, and I will, but not for about 5-6 hours. Hope you can hold on...
 
They do, and I will, but not for about 5-6 hours. Hope you can hold
on...
Click to expand...

Grinder:
Not a problem. Thanks so much for your help. You're really going out of
your way to help me and I appreciate it so much. I'll look for your post
this evening.

Diane
 
Ok, I've been able to take a look at an HP a300n, which looks like the
picture of the a210n we agreed upon earlier.

There is a front facia with a case-mounted eject button and door. The
eject button is attached to a flexible lever that runs width of the
drive's face, just below the disc tray. When the button is pressed it
mashes down on the drive, triggering the eject button.

There is a small bit of adhesive foam attached to the lever at the point
of the eject button that make sure to apply enough pressure to the
button. That button is slightly smaller and slight more to the left
than the NEC drive you've been looking at. I don't think that will be a
problem, but if it is, it can be remedied with and additional bit of foam.

There should be no problem in the disc tray clearing the opening of the
bay. There is a door in the facia that flips down, but it is quite
large. You probably already knew that part.

The length of the drive should also not be a problem. I took a drive
that was 206 mm in length with me. Even though it was quite a bit
longer than the drive that was already installed, it fit in the bay well
enough. I cannot find the dimensions for the ND-3520A, but I know that
my ND-3500A is significantly shorter than the aforementioned biggun'.
There is no guarantee, of course, that the available space in your
computer will match the one I've been looking at, but I'm not worried

If you can find a package that includes Nero instead of Easy CD creator,
I would recommend it within budgetary limits. Nero rocks.

When you get your hardware, assuming that you're going to take the
plunge, write back if you need installation instructions. It's not very
difficult to do, but you might want some assistance in blowing up your
computer (kidding.)
 
Ok, I've been able to take a look at an HP a300n, which looks like the
picture of the a210n we agreed upon earlier.

There is a front facia with a case-mounted eject button and door. The
eject button is attached to a flexible lever that runs width of the
drive's face, just below the disc tray. When the button is pressed it
mashes down on the drive, triggering the eject button.

There is a small bit of adhesive foam attached to the lever at the
point of the eject button that make sure to apply enough pressure to
the button. That button is slightly smaller and slight more to the
left than the NEC drive you've been looking at. I don't think that
will be a problem, but if it is, it can be remedied with and
additional bit of foam.

There should be no problem in the disc tray clearing the opening of
the bay. There is a door in the facia that flips down, but it is
quite large. You probably already knew that part.

The length of the drive should also not be a problem. I took a drive
that was 206 mm in length with me. Even though it was quite a bit
longer than the drive that was already installed, it fit in the bay
well enough. I cannot find the dimensions for the ND-3520A, but I
know that my ND-3500A is significantly shorter than the aforementioned
biggun'. There is no guarantee, of course, that the available space in
your computer will match the one I've been looking at, but I'm not
worried

If you can find a package that includes Nero instead of Easy CD
creator, I would recommend it within budgetary limits. Nero rocks.

When you get your hardware, assuming that you're going to take the
plunge, write back if you need installation instructions. It's not
very difficult to do, but you might want some assistance in blowing up
your computer (kidding.)
Click to expand...

Grinder, you're a wonderful person. Thank you so much for putting this
all in perspective for me. I'm ordering the drive as we speak, and as
for the installation, if I have problems, I'll contact you again through
the NG as you suggested. I can't thank you enough for taking your
personal time and checking this all out for me. Speaking of blowing up
the computer, lol, there actually WAS a time when I thought that I COULD
blow it up. But that was ages ago and several computers ago. I should
have the drive by mid to end of next week and I'll let you know how it
all goes when I get it installed.

As for Nero, I think I can get my hands on a disk. My dad uses Nero and
I've been burning the upgrades for him b/c they're HUGE and his dial-up
takes days as opposed to my DSL which takes only a matter of minutes.
So, if I can't find a drive with Nero, I don't think it's a problem.

I'll be back to you soon. Many, many thanks.
Diane
 
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