Need CDRW help

If you're just looking for a CD-RW drive, I would think just about any ATA CD-RW drive would work, especially if an external drive was recommended.

Unfortunately, I am not that up to date with the looks of a Quicksilver. Does it look like a standard CD-RW drive or is it recessed behind the case somehow?

 

I understand that, and that's why I asked if it appeared your internal drive was a standard ATA CDRW drive. I don't know how the current drive fits in the case, hence my question.

 

cdrw

his drive is behind a door thing, like the mirror doors. It just flops down when the drive is ejected. You should be able to replace this yourself. I would just buy a cd-rw drive from a know mac seller like macmall or another place. Then you probably only have to undo screws on the broken drive that hold it in, and pull it out and replace it with the new one.

Just take the time before you go buy a new drive to get the old one out, it wont be missed because its broken already. Then once you got it figured out, buy new drive, and install.

Also, make sure the drives tray will be able to come out. Check the size of the face plat on the front of the drive, the quicksilvers door might get in the way. That would be the only complicating thing I could think of.

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=195197

Actually, another thing that poped into mind, is that some programs might not like the new drive, like iTunes wont burn music cds to it, that could happen.

 

^
edit: they're trying to sell you a drive/labor you can do yourself


you're fine with just about any compatible CD/DVD-RW drive, the inside of the door is rounded out, so that the front drive bezel will roll right over the "hump".

if you're really worried about the old smaller drive bezel, then remove it, it's taped on with 2x sided tape, and gently remove the new bezel, you'll need to check your specific one (some move over, and then up, some move up and then over).

if you need any other help, PM me

 

Re: cdrw

I don't see why it wouldn't. There are many different kinds of external CD-RW drives, non of which are all from the same CD-RW drive manufacture. I have an external LaCie External CD-RW, but I know for a fact the LaCie doesn't make the CD-RW drive itself. Really all your paying for there is the drive, case and possibly the chipset.

As long as it says its Mac compatible then it will work with anything in Mac OS X. The only issues you have to figure out is what others are saying about the alignment of the bezel cover in the front. You might want to also look around on eBay and you may even find an exact QuickSilver CD-RW drive replacement from someone.

If its not under warranty anymore then your not forced to take it to an Authorized Service Center. That guy was just trying to fool you into taking it there so he could make some money. But if its still under warranty then yes he is correct and the drive and installation of the drive would then be free.

 

Only some CDRWs are supported by iTunes etc. though nearly all are supported by Toast. I have a Lite-On LTR-52327S which IS fully supported by iTunes and everything else and it cost me £25. Apparently it's been cheaper in the states. AFAIK there is a combo drive by LG that's supported as well.

The lite-on is reportedly bootable but I haven't tried that

I have an MDD powermac and had to take the front drive door bevel off the CDRW so it would clear the openings. It's easy to remove.

For more drive compatibility info take a look at xlr8yourmac.com