Seeking advice about replacing Superdrive

I bought my emac in November of '02, and it seems that the optical drive is finally dying. I can't rip a CD without it freezing, and it will no longer boot from a CD/DVD.
I realize I have only a few options in replacing it:
1. Buy new internal drive and install it myself (which i'm NOT very confident about doing)
2. Buy new internal drive and pay someone to install it (my locally owned mac store quoted me $100 labor, but I haven't checked with the local Apple Store).
3. Buy external drive and install the appropriate software/drivers
Did I miss an option?
Is there an option that my fellow emac users would recommend above the others?
Is there an option that I should avoid?
Is there a brand of either internal or external that anyone would recommend?
Thanks!
eMac Mac OS X (10.3.9) 800 MHZ processor, 512 mb RAM

I'd just like to encourage anyone considering replacing the optical drive in their eMac. I bought the original eMac 700 with CD-R. I upgraded the RAM a couple years ago but was too intimidated to try upgrading to a Superdrive. When I updated to Panther, I paid an additional $10 for the media exchange from DVD to CD-ROM. I finally decided to attempt an upgrade when iLife 2006 was released on DVD only.
I bought the Panasonic DVR-110D from newegg.com for $40. It took a little more than an hour to finish the upgrade.
This site has a good overview of the procedure: http://www.wilko.com/emac/
More detailed step-by-step instructions are available in the eMac Service Manual (link at bottom of http://www.lbodnar.dsl.pipex.com/eMac/eMac-upgrade.html)
I followed the eMac Service Manual 'Take Apart' section through the step of removing the 'Digital Module Assembly' (page 25). At this point, I started following the directions on the wilco.com website. The original CD-R drive came out easily after unplugging two cables in the back and two screws on each side. The Panasonic Superdrive is not quite as long as the original drive but the frame accomodates it easily and the screw positions are identical. By deviating from the eMac Service Manual I was able to avoid some the more onerous steps, such as removing the logic board and heat sink or discharging the CRT. (My eMac was unplugged for more than 48 hours before I took it apart.)
I reversed the process to re-assemble my eMac and pushed the power button with doubts as to whether the computer would recognize the drive before tinkering with a lot of firmware and drivers. I needn't have worried. It all worked fine. Thank you Apple.
eMac 700 MHz PowerPC G4 Mac OS X (10.4.3) upgrades: 2nd 256K RAM, AirPort Card, Superdrive (from CD-R)
eMac 700 Mhz PowerPC G4 Mac OS X (10.1.x)

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Need advice about replacing desktop, with laptop?

I need to replace my old desktop. Know nothing about laptops! Would like to clear my spare room of computer desk and junk! Would a laptop serve the same purpose, as a desktop?
I'm a retired lady and mainly use my computer for email, internet surfing and some games.
I would not use for traveling.
How would I connect to my broadband? Can I plug in without relying on battery? Can I still use my printer?
In other words, can I use a laptop just as use my desktop?
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Hi Patsy. I am confused on why so many are trying to steer you away from the laptop when it sounds like that is just what you are wanting. Personally, I think you would love a laptop. Like you I don't travel all that often, but the biggest advantage of the laptop for me has nothing to with travel and everything to do with the mobility of it within my own home. If I want to lay on the couch and play on the internet, go outside on the patio and read an article or sit in bed and play a game on the computer or watch a DVD, it is no problem. I have had my laptop about a year now and it is hands down more convenient than the desktop in my study.
In answer to a few of your questions, yes a laptop would work with your internet in exactly the same way as the desktop, BUT you would need to purchase a wireless router in addition to the laptop. This router is what allows you to be wireless in your home. You can then plug in anywhere in the house or work off the laptop battery, whichever you so choose. The printer is the same way. You could hook the printer directly to the router or if the printer has wireless capabilities, it could be recognized by your router and be wireless too, meaning it simply needs to be plugged in and not connected to anything else and you could still send documents straight from your laptop to it.
As for computers, if you ever see a poster start talking in detail about graphics cards, more than likely they are high-end gamers. In other words, not simple computer games but very graphic intense games that call for really good graphics cards. From what you describe your use as, which is very similar to mine, you are just wanting it for internet/email, basic computer games and maybe some word processing abilities. Most laptops you get today will probably have a graphic card that supports all you need. The following is just my opinion on laptops based on needs that sound close to mine, so hopefully I won't get jumped on too much by other computer experts. I would encourage you to avoid taking the cheapest route with a laptop. That isn't to say avoid a good deal, just go for a good brand. In my opinion the good brands do not include Toshiba (just personal experience based on several people who have gotten one in the last couple of years and reading up on them before buying) or Gateway (although I think they may have been purchased by Asus as was eMachine, so the quality might be better now. They use to be crap!). I would stick with HP or Dell myself. I have a Dell, which again high end gamers are not as fond of because they have an integrated graphics card. For what you would use it for, a Dell would be more than fine, and they have been around a long time for a reason! That is what my old desktop is too, and they have always responded to my issues, even when not under warranty anymore with that desktop. As for what to look for, you should be able to get a decent laptop for $400-$550, maybe cheaper, but get a little more to the laptop and it will last you a little longer. I would look for something that is a Core2Duo versus simply Dual Core. Try to go for at least 3GB memory, 4GB is better. As to the size of the hard drive, if you mainly just save pictures and documents like me a 160GB hard drive is more than enough, but if higher, even better. The huge retailer that starts with W, which apparently can't be written here, has some good deals on both HP & Dell, and they offer relatively cheap extended warranties. Which by the way, I would highly encourage an extended warranty on a laptop. Here are 2 other good deals I just came across on good laptops {Links removed per Community Guidelines} The 2nd deal has a bigger hard drive and a 17" screen versus a 15.6". The bigger screen means it is going to be a little heavier though. I originally wanted the bigger screen myself, but ended up going with the 15.6" as it was just easier to lug around. They are so close in weight though, I don't know that it would matter that much to some. As to hooking all this stuff up, such as configuring your router, printer etc. If you know anyone that is good with computers it is usually a pretty simple task for them. Most of kids in high school can do it with their eyes closed now. If you don't know anyone, Best Buy has a service called the Geek Squad that will come and do it for you. Have no idea the cost there, but I do know it doesn't have to be purchased at Best Buy for you to buy that service.
Anyway, I know I wrote you a book, but I hope this info help. I really think you will be more than pleased with a laptop once you get the purchase and setup out the way anyhow! Good luck, Leigh.

Advice about an external DVD drive

Hi there,
Pardon the basic questions, a computer genius I am not.
I have a rather elderly iMac G4 running 10.4.11 and it has never been able to even see DVDs. I am facing necessary software upgrades which come in a DVD format. Is an external DVD drive what I get? Will my poor iMac see a DVD coming from an external drive? I have always found it annoying that I have the DVD player software but I can't use it.
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thank you!
suzy

Yes an external DVD optical drive will work. The cost needs to be considered, is it worth it.
You could opt to go the cheapest way possible; search Ebay on the PC side(since a high % are not as overall savvy as Mac users) look for the older Sony CDR burners, these were blue external enclosures which housed CDR burners. You can purchase modern DVDR player/burners cheaply now a days and install the optical drive into one of those Sony enclosures. The reason I suggest Sony is way back when they were expensive but well made and work to this day all the way to Leopard. You should be able to pick one up for $25.00 plus a good optical drive for less than $50.00
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Seeking advice on moving up to HDV editing

I appreciate folks on this forum who have assisted me in the past when I’ve had questions about iMovie, editing, burning DVDs etc. Karsten, Lennart, Bengt and others from around the world have been very kind and helpful. I am now seeking advice from anyone regarding “moving up” to the HDV world of video editing.
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Message was edited by: scooper

scooper wrote:
.. iMac 2.8 GHz Intel core 2 duo with a 320 GB hardrive and 4 GB of upgraded RAM. I have a 250 GB external drive .. Canon Vixia HV40 .. external Blu Ray burner .. Final Cut Express .. Toast 10 Pro (plus the Blu Ray plug in)
Will this work?
I'm jealous.. wow! MY set-up..
HDV is supported by IMHD6.. just to mention that. so, HDV-editing is same as SD..
iMHD6 Export 'FullQuality' creates a file, which is HiDef too, for your Toast/BR workflow ..
HDV creates on import (IMHD6/FCE) huuuuuge files, 40-60GBs/h .. 250 extHDD = 6h, full..
actual price for extHDD with 1TB <100€ ..
keep in mind: internal harddrive has to offer any time 10-20GBs free..
not every BR-standalone-player accepts homebrewn disks..don't be disappointed...
Toast and iDVD can burn DVDs (=which offer SD only) from HiDef projects.. no need to 'convert'.. both apps downsize automatically...
FCE has a (very) steem learning curve.. totally different to iMovie.. no one-click-only, no templates, no ready-mades.. but zillions of options, 101% control.. (simple example: ken burns with zoom-to-zil and rotation and moving out of frame...)
buy a book of FC Mastermind and AppleDiscussions-Level5 supporter *Tom Wolsky* - he's a sensei, in-depth-knowledge, hands-on (=no tech blabla), easy to read and understand.
don't start with a project, start with 'tests for the trashbin'..

How to replace superdrive in MacPro 3.1

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Need advice about coalesce and deallocate unused space

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Here looking for an advice about coalesce and deallocate unused space.
I got this tablespace with 87% full, one of the table in that tablespace has 1,150,325 records. I'm going to delete 500,000 records from that table, but to release the space used by those records I understand that I need to execute other procedure. I was reading about coalesce tablespace and deallocate unused space.
I found that apparently, both process can help me to free space. If you want to share with me your comments, about advantages or disadvantages about them, in order I can take the best solution?
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Hi
after deleted rows, the high water mark is still the same and so the size of the table. you need to bring down the water mark
here is what you need to do to bring down the high water mark. We do this monthly for performance purpose.
This is an EBS R12 system but the procedures are the same for EBS database or non EBS database.
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use this statement to count the block before and after the operation to see the different.
select DISTINCT(SEGMENT_NAME), count(blocks) "Total Block" from dba_extents
where
owner IN ('APPLSYS')
AND segment_name = 'WF_ITEM_ATTRIBUTE_VALUES'
Hope this help.

Replaced Superdrive Not Seen in System Profiler 10.5.1

I just noticed my replaced Superdrive ( Pioneer DVR-111D [Beige Bezel] 'SuperDrive' 16X DVD w/DL + CDRW Burner) does not show in System Profiler under 10.5.1. It did after replacement after using Patch Burn under 10.4.0. Now Patch Burn says that it is unnecessary under 10.5 (Leopard). Also, there is no burn button available with iTunes (08). I don't want to waste a DVD to experiment, so does anyone happen to know anything about this (Mr Totes or any of the resident SD specialists?). Any and all comments would be appreciated.
Thanks, Chris

Hi Chris,
Thanks for posting back with your pioneering (excuse the pun) experience.
cheers
mrtotes

Seeking advice for backing up Xserve G5 w/ RAID PCI card

Hello all!
I'm a newbie to Macs and server admin, and I have inherited the job of setting up a server at work for file storage. I'll do my best to give a concise description of our set-up - I'm looking for some advice on the last few odds and ends... mainly how we can backup the system.
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Xserve G5 Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Greetings-
We all started out as newbies at one time or another-no worries. That is why we are here.
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Advice about updating os

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Hello all HP forum members!
I have an ENVY 17 with Win8.1 64bit, a great laptop, but I need an advice about using it while connected via HDMI cable to an external display (TV).
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Thanks!

Hi @VVel ,
Thank you for visiting the HP Support Forums and Welcome. It is a great site for information and questions. I have looked into your issue about your HP ENVY 17 Notebook and issue with keeping the Notebook on while closing the lid. Here is a document on changing the Power option.
Control Panel - Power Options - upper left - Choose what closing the lid does.
Change Plan Settings and also check Advanced Settings. Make sure you do this for both battery and power.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom to say “Thanks” for helping!

Need advice about a WiFi set-up

Dear Gang,
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dwb,
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Need advice about zip rar files

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Hi There
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Need advice about best characterset for XMLDB

Hi,
Oracle 9.2.0.5 Windows 2000
Please, give me an advice about best character set
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During installation Oracle istallator suggests
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Hello,
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Does anyone have any suggestions for a splitter for an HP EliteBook? I tried Amazon but couldnt find anything.
Thanks
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi,
The following one is for more than 2:
http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/belkin-rockstar-headphone-splitter-bef8z274
and the following one is from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Speaker-and-Headphone-Splitter/dp/B00009WQSR
Regards.
BH
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Seeking advice about replacing Superdrive

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