----- Original Message -----
From: "Glen Goodwin" <acme_ent_at_bellsouth.net>
To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2002 10:19 PM
Subject: Re: APPLEVISION Monitor
> > From: Richard Erlacher <edick_at_idcomm.com>
>
> > What's always annoyed me with "brand-name" PC's is that the packaging
> ALWAYS
> > deviates from the "norm" established by the DIY market. Consquently,
> your
> > DELL, Gateway, or Compaq was never upgradable, because the CPU or hard
> disk
> > wasn't supported by the BIOS, or some peripheral wouldn't fit in the
> system
> > because of address conflicts. Simple things like the on-board video
> caused
> > problems when they failed because one couldn't disable them, or, if one
> did,
> > the now-broken native video interfered with the replacement. Even
> printer
> > ports posed such problems. Many times the packaging itself was the
> problem.
> > Have you ever tried to replace or upgrade the CDROM drive in an HP PC?
>
> Actually I've found that CD-ROM drives are among the easiest components to
> replace in HPs. Often the floppy disk drives and power supplies have a
> weird form factor, and when it comes to motherboards, forget it.
>
While the logical replacement has never been a problem, the rounded front that
fits the case is a virtually impossible thing to replace by the time the drive
needs replacment. They seem to require a rounded drawer front with no bezel
of the drive. Whereas the bezel can be removed easily enough, finding a drive
with that rounded front that fits, precisely, the slot in the plastic
front-face of the box is a problem. The part number is seemingly never
available more than 90 days after the computer is no longer an off-the-shelf
item.
No ATAPI CDROM has ever been a problem to replace under Windows 9X, to my
experience.
Dick
>
> I have found HP and Compaq units where, in order to replace the CD-ROM
> drive (or *any* drive) I had to pull the motherboard, which seems pretty
> bizarre in itself.
>
> Glen
> 0/0
>
>
Received on Fri May 03 2002 - 01:51:33 BST