Help?!?!?!?!

[ByteMe]

I have a Sony Vaio PCG-FRV26 laptop that I need to replace the CD-drive in. I do not know all the standards that laptop's use. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement drive (does not need to be exact make/model--- just compatible). Sony's web site wants 300 hundred freaking bucks. Not a chance.

If you can help me get a replacement drive for a decent price you will be my hero.

 

[Geo]

Something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SBW-242U-SBW-241-SONY-PCG-FRV25-TO-PCG-FRV37_W0QQitemZ6841318625QQcategoryZ31564QQtcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Or this:

http://www.pcdirect.com//product.asp?promo=pricewatch&PID=1&Sku=DVDSA-SN324

or this:

http://www.pcdirect.com//product.asp?promo=pricewatch&PID=1&Sku=DVDAO-ISU-8424E


Have you pulled yours out? Does it look these? Pricewatch advertised both of these as "for most gateway dell compaq fujitsu hp ibm sony toshiba slim", which ought to be a pretty good indication of standardization. That description must have come from PC Direct. Were I you, in addition to the notebook model, I'd try to get the part no# from Sony's site, and then call PC Direct and see if they'll confirm compatibility.

Then there is this Sony at Newegg that appears very similar: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827131011

Or this one: http://shopping.msn.com/prices/shp/?itemId=47599200

At least if yours looks like these when you pull it out.

 

[NANOTEC]

Almost all laptops use the standard slim drive form factor. The problem is the face plate/bezel. The shape of the faceplate is critical in deciding what drive you can/cannot use. Most aftermarket drives have a flat bezel but many laptops have curved and oddly shaped bezels.

 

[Geo]

Almost all laptops use the standard slim drive form factor. The problem is the face plate/bezel. The shape of the faceplate is critical in deciding what drive you can/cannot use. Most aftermarket drives have a flat bezel but many laptops have curved and oddly shaped bezels.

Which probably explains this line in the ebay auction --"Bare drive only, customer need use own existing faceplate"

 

[NANOTEC]

Which probably explains this line in the ebay auction --"Bare drive only, customer need use own existing faceplate"

Sure, but it's not as easy as it sounds because there is no faceplate standard. You cannot simply snap off your existing faceplate and snap it on the new one. It doesn't work that way. I know this from experience. The fact the eject button is located at different locations for different faceplates means it wouldn't work let alone the faceplate shape, thickness, mounting points. Then there is the LED which some drives have while others don't and even that is in different locations.

Anyway looking at the PCG-FRV26, it seems the OEM drive has a simple flat bezel which is good news as it means any aftermarket DVD/CD drive with a rectangular bezel would work. Color matching still won't be perfect though. Oh btw the price on that eBay drive is very high. That drive cannot even burn DVDs and it's over $100 with shipping. That Samsung one is refurbished. That AOpen is ok though.

Try these. They should work. If not I'll buy the drive from you and put it on my Powermate 2000 desktop.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827131011

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827129170

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152069

The Pioneer model is a slot load btw.

 

[ByteMe]

thanks for the help.... ordered the sony from newegg

 

[NANOTEC]

When you remove your old drive make sure to keep all the mounting brackets/caddy/drive cage etc. for the old drive because you will need to put them on the new drive. Most laptops have them, however, if you're lucky yours won't and it will just be a simple slide-out/slide-in affair. Let us know how everything goes.

 

[ByteMe]

ok, had to remove the old brackets and install on new drive (5 tiny screws). The faceplate on the new unit was a bit smaller and the old faceplate did not match up to the new drive. So now it has a small gap around the faceplate. BUT THE UNIT WORKS better than the original ever did... and has more capibilities.


So I am happy... Thanks guys.

 

[Geo]

And was a lot cheaper than $300!

Congrats. . . :smile: