Optibay Swap Superdrive out for a second HD on Apple MBP

[kingofwale]

long story short, I'm currently using a 17 inch macbook pro. currently using a SSD 128gb drive and finding it just lacks space.

what I've found is that you can swap out your superdrive (I never use it) and put in a secondary harddrive.

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

ordered the one with 750gb 7200rmp harddrive. and should be receiving it next week.

Has anyone done the swap themselves? Someone on kijiji said he can do it for 50 dollars, should I go with that? I'm not completely computer illiterate, but it's always good to know you have a backup plan.

[infamouskid]

its just a sata adapter housing.
just plug and play.
most hd's and cdrom drives today inside a computer use sata or ide.
all this product does is fit your 2.5hd securely mounted in a housing in the shape of your cd rom drive that was there.
the the interface is the same in the end.
as for paying 50.00 for someone to install a plug and play device.. hell no. do it yourself.
even still 50.00 is a lot to ask for an install that takes less then 10 minutes with no software needed.

[mikeo007]

Careful with a hard drive in the optical bay on a Macbook. There's no motion sensor on the optical bay, so a sudden jolt could cause problems for your hard drive.

[XtremeModder]

its just a sata adapter housing.
just plug and play.
most hd's and cdrom drives today inside a computer use sata or ide.
all this product does is fit your 2.5hd securely mounted in a housing in the shape of your cd rom drive that was there.
the the interface is the same in the end.
as for paying 50.00 for someone to install a plug and play device.. hell no. do it yourself.
even still 50.00 is a lot to ask for an install that takes less then 10 minutes with no software needed.

You are right, as I would do it myself.

But put yourself in someone's shoes that has no idea what they're doing or dont want to risk breaking the computer. Paying $50 for someone else to take responsibility into their own hands is not bad.

[noneleft]

I recently did this myself following this iFixIt guide (for the 15" MBP): http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Unibody-Early-2011-Optical-Drive-Replacement/5904/1#.T9VMCo5SGlI

If you have the correct tools and a steady hand then it really isn't that difficult, especially if you've ever worked on a PC/laptop before. Just be patient and don't rush anything and you should be OK.

[kingofwale]

You are right, as I would do it myself.

But put yourself in someone's shoes that has no idea what they're doing or dont want to risk breaking the computer. Paying $50 for someone else to take responsibility into their own hands is not bad.

well, if it's a cheaper laptop, i have no problem doing it myself (i actually enjoy doing things like this with my old Lenovo), however handling 2500 dollars mac, I prefer to be more careful.

i will check out the video that will come with the package, (they also include tools), if it's too hard, I will get the guy to do it for 50 dollars, otherwise, it will be fun. :)