hey check this out

http://www.mcetech.com/optibay/

any ideas on how i could do this for cheaper? the drives could be bought for $4**. it seems ridiculously expensive to pay 400 for a mount/adapter. anyone else ever try to do this? any ideas? what would i need to get to do this myself?

Hi there,

check this thread:
http://www.macmod.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=3062

I have something in my mind I will post up the details later. Maybe tmmr.

My idea seems only works for powerbook 12" (or any mac you found using similar adapter).
By using another harddrive cable over the optical port.
http://www.powerbookmedic.com/xcart1/images/T/t_16686.jpg
http://www.thebookyard.com/product.php?manufacturers_id=15&products_id=269

what exactly is the connector from the motherboard to the optical drive? anyone know exact dimensions of the space the optical drive fills?

Check the thread I posted earlier. There're various design of logicboard to optical drive adapter used in Mac laptops. But the one on optical drive seems to be standard.

so it can't be done without a soldering iron?

Apple have told me that even the optical drive cables on very similar PowerBooks are sometimes different. Normally I would assume they are being overcautious but my tests agreed with them.

I actually have some optibays now. I'll take a look at the board when I get a sec, see if there is any name on it.

hey, thanks! any ideas on how to physically mount the drive in there without using duct tape?

Ok there are several things.

Let me explain.

If you want a cheaper alternative go to http://www.google.com

And search for the powerbook guy.

It is a shop based out of california and they sell drive adapters and recycled ibook powerbook macbook stuff cheap.

The issues of the drive not fitting have to do with this original issue.

When apple releases two versions of the same laptop they usually change the drive connector or battery.

A great example of this i own a powerbook g3 pismo i found out there are two zip 100 drives for the pismo.

One fits version 1 powerbook pismos.

the second fits the powerbook lumbard edition.

The difference is the drive plug only.