Slimline Optical Drive Case

usbcd36 · Post by **usbcd36** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 8:29 pm

I've been thinking of a neat hack for my PowerBook Duo 2300c, which would be to add an IDE port and make a small external CD-ROM unit for it (and the port could also be used for other devices, like a CF adapter). I would simply use a short (~12 in.) round IDE cable to connect the drive to the computer. Best part is it wouldn't need a dock or anything like that, like most other accessories for the Duo (including the floppy drive) need. My problem with this is twofold though:

1) The Duo motherboard doesn't directly provide a switched 12v, so if slimline drives require it, I'll have to tap the battery directly. My fear is it will interfere with charging and the battery meter.

2) A slimline drive without a case won't last long in a laptop bag. Does anyone have any suggestions of a case I could make or frankenstein for it? I'd like something elegant, but if it'll make a reasonable prototype, it'll be fine and can make something better later. (I thought a DVD case might work, but it could be a little too thin and it's obviously too long.)

Post by **Sparkfist** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 8:45 pm

To my knowlege no slim drives require 12v, so unless you one that has the extra two motors like the standard 5 1/4" drives have don't worry about it. As for connecting it via EIDE connection, I don't know if the channels on the laptop are designed to handle slaves. If you do want a case made, get some 1/16" sheet metal, that would make a strong case, and there is also plexiglass.

Good luck.

usbcd36 · Post by **usbcd36** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 8:51 pm

I looked up the IDE controller and it seems to support 2 drives, though I should test before I try. If worst comes to worst, I'll buy an IDE to SCSI adapter and plug it into the dock (if I don't find out before I spend my money).

Edit: it appears that the PowerBook 1400 also uses the "Baboon" IDE controller, on which are the internal hard drive and CD-ROM. I may be wrong about this thoughâ€¦