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Superdrive Enclosure

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skip2

macrumors member
Nov 28, 2008
61
0
Is that enclosure plastic of aluminum? How would you compare the feel and quality of the enclosure with the MacBook Air SuperDrive (if you've ever handled one)? Also, what is this hack you're talking about? Shouldn't it just work like a normal external DVD-drive without any hacking?

I'm thinking of putting my HDD in place of the SuperDrive and adding a SSD where the HDD is right now and then putting the SuperDrive into an external enclosure.
 
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skip2

macrumors member
Nov 28, 2008
61
0
sn424 said:
The spec says "CNC Machined Aluminum kit", the piece that may be missing is the non-slip ring on the underside.
Click to expand...

Wow. I wonder if the enclosures from eBay are the same. I was almost certain they'd all be plastic, which is made to look like aluminum in pictures. :eek:
 
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appletron

macrumors newbie
Feb 28, 2008
12
0
skip2 said:
Wow. I wonder if the enclosures from eBay are the same. I was almost certain they'd all be plastic, which is made to look like aluminum in pictures. :eek:
Click to expand...

I went for a caddy from ebay (seller: Nimitz http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/nimitz**/ ) and an enclosure from eBay too (seller: notebookeleite http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/notebookelite/ ). They arrived from far east to UK in a little over a week.

The caddy is excellent quality but it's fiddly to fit. You should allow a couple of hours, lots of patience and make sure you have the correct tools. This guide should help http://osxdaily.com/2010/05/19/install-an-ssd-into-the-optical-drive-slot-on-a-macbook-pro/

The caddy is plastic, but it's of very good quality and looks like aluminium until you inspect it closely - a convincing "fake". I am happy with it.
 
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Tickldpnk8

macrumors newbie
Mar 11, 2013
1
0
Superdrive Enclosure: Thoughts?

So over the weekend, my 2008 MacBook Pro died. I've already installed the harddrive into a usb caddy, but what are everyone's thoughts on removing the SuperDrive and installing it in an external enclosure? All of the enclosures I've been able to find online are for the newer slimmer models. Anyone have a good source? Perhaps I'm searching it under the wrong term? Some of the older links in this thread weren't linking correctly.

Also, could a novice do this, or should I take it to an expert?

Thoughts?
 
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appletron

macrumors newbie
Feb 28, 2008
12
0
I wasn't aware of different heights for SuperDrives, but the one I used had pegs for different height drives. I suspect all the ones on eBay that look like an Apple external SuperDrive will have been made by the same manufacturer.

As for a novice - yes, with a bit of patience. If you get stuck, let us know here.

Bare in mind, since I put my drive in an enclosure, I think I've used it about three times.
 
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designs216

designs216

macrumors 65816
Oct 26, 2009
1,046
19
Down the rabbit hole
chupacabra31 said:
This one is the same imho and it gets to you a whole lot faster:

http://www.maxupgrades.com/istore/index.cfm?fuseaction=Product.display&product_id=186

6th image down. You will have to select it from the top drop down menu, it is the usb powered one for $24.95.

Mine came within 3 days of ordering it! Works very well. Even found a hack that allows me to play dvds through it.
Click to expand...

The page talks about the enclosure/bracket package and seems like a decent deal. Too bad the drive only connects at USB2 speeds. Is a hack necessary if you move the superdrive to an external enclosure? If so, it might be better to spend the money on an external DVD/Blueray combo drive.
 
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Giuly

Giuly

macrumors 68040
Oct 16, 2009
3,348
4
That depends whether you ask for timezone, state o
Tickldpnk8 said:
So over the weekend, my 2008 MacBook Pro died. I've already installed the harddrive into a usb caddy, but what are everyone's thoughts on removing the SuperDrive and installing it in an external enclosure? All of the enclosures I've been able to find online are for the newer slimmer models. Anyone have a good source? Perhaps I'm searching it under the wrong term? Some of the older links in this thread weren't linking correctly.

Also, could a novice do this, or should I take it to an expert?

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I don't think that anyone makes a slimline, slotloading IDE enclosure.

But why the all the hassle if you can pick up a complete USB slimline DVD writer for $18?
 
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Philoman

Philoman

macrumors member
Feb 24, 2003
79
0
Giuly said:
It is 5 years old, and buying a $24 enclosure for a ATAPI SuperDrive instead of a completely new and faster USB DVD writer for $18 is a waste of money.
Click to expand...
I hear where you're coming from.

Mine is a SATA interface Super 898A Panasonic, made in 2010.

Even if I got the USB DVD writer, I would always look at this thing without a case wishing to put it to use...LOL
 
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Giuly

Giuly

macrumors 68040
Oct 16, 2009
3,348
4
That depends whether you ask for timezone, state o
Philoman said:
I hear where you're coming from.

Mine is a SATA interface Super 898A Panasonic, made in 2010.

Even if I got the USB DVD writer, I would always look at this thing without a case wishing to put it to use...LOL
Click to expand...
The OP said something about a 2008 MacBook Pro, hence the suggestion.
But if you have a SATA model, there's this enclosure for $13.
4120UlTpoXL.jpg
 
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