Sourcing a Slim optical disc drive (preferably blu ray)

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Arcane9

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Hi Everyone

Thinking of building a HTPC with one of those small cases, however most (if not all) only support a slim optical drive.
I have done numerous searches, but have found no local dealers who sell slim blu ray optical drives (there are plenty of international stores though) and only a few that sell slim dvd optical drives.

Does anyone know where I can source a slim blu ray drive locally or how to go about purchasing one from an international store (Amazon for example doesn't allow international shipment on this product). Alternatively where would be the best place to buy a slim dvd optical drive locally.

A slim drive would be ideal, but if I have to I will reluctantly look at larger cases so that a standard 5.25" optical drive will fit.

Any assistance would be appreciated.
 
You can try Take 2's amazon import service, since I haven't been able to find any local slim blu-ray drives either: http://more.take2.co.za/usa, but expect to pay about the equivalent of double the dollar price.

Or you could try contacting these guys, since I see that they seem to supply replacement laptop slim drives (I didn't see any blu-ray drives on their site, but they may have some): http://www.laptopaccessories.co.za/
 
For local either laptop accessories as mentioned above or spl. www.spl.co.za

You can also try ebay, you'll get it much cheaper there...
 
Okay Thanks, I will look at those suppliers. ebay definitely could be a feasible option; had a quick look did find a few top rated sellers with the required drive who ship international. Do you have any experience using ebay?
 
Arcane9 said:
Okay Thanks, I will look at those suppliers. ebay definitely could be a feasible option; had a quick look did find a few top rated sellers with the required drive who ship international. Do you have any experience using ebay?
Click to expand...

Local suppliers will be way higher in price.. I have used ebay several times, mainly for low priced items under $50, but recently used it for a Notebook which is still in transit.. Just check the user has high ratings or a power seller and if the shipping is not too expensive than get it from there..

Just remember to add vat and clearing fee that will be payable once you receive the parcel.. Clearing fee/Custom Charges are not that much...
 
HTPC chassis

Keep in mind that most of HTPC chassis , like those from Antec, Zalman and Lian Li dont require a slim line optical drive.
I saw some slim line drives prices recently and was suprise at how expensive they where with mostly lower performance specs compared to regular drives.

Also almost all HTPC has a flap covering the optical drive opening so what kind of drive you have in there wont be visible except when opening.
 
Okay, I have purchased a new slim optical blu-ray writer (yes writer) off ebay for R940 with shipping. Received a parcel tracking number 30mins later, so looking good so far. Will report back when I actually receive it, hopefully all will be in working order.

mh348, when will I (and to whom) will I have to pay the VAT and import duties to? Will the courier company demand I pay them before handing over the parcel or something?

While, I was at it; also purchased a Kindle 3 of Amazon - I was charged R200 for import duties on that; I'm hoping now that I don't have to pay VAT on top of that. Guess I'll find out in the next two days.
 
Arcane9 said:
mh348, when will I (and to whom) will I have to pay the VAT and import duties to? Will the courier company demand I pay them before handing over the parcel or something?
Click to expand...

Yes, you will have to pay the courier company first. I've paid via eft & cod before.
 
Arcane9 said:
mh348, when will I (and to whom) will I have to pay the VAT and import duties to? Will the courier company demand I pay them before handing over the parcel or something?
Click to expand...

ponder said:
Yes, you will have to pay the courier company first. I've paid via eft & cod before.
Click to expand...

If it was sent via USPS, you will receive the parcel at the Post Office, and will have to pay it at the Post Office Counter..

Arcane9 said:
While, I was at it; also purchased a Kindle 3 of Amazon - I was charged R200 for import duties on that; I'm hoping now that I don't have to pay VAT on top of that. Guess I'll find out in the next two days.
Click to expand...

Amazon usually uses DHL, and they deliver to your door.. You won't have to pay anything extra when you receive the parcel..
 
For the price of a slim Bluray drive, I'll rather just buy a whole Samsung Bluray player with speakers for R3k from Makro.
 
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