Macbook Pro 2011 Upgrade - Need Data Doubler for SSD

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Hi guys,

I've got an early 2011 Macbook Pro [i5, 4GB, 320GB].

I'm planning the following upgrade:

Adding an SSD Drive:

My current optical drive is not working for some reason, and to be honest I don't use it all that often. I've done some Googling, and you can remove this optical drive and replace it with a Data Doubler to slot an SSD into.

Problem: The only place I can find this data doubler is on eBay for +-R150 with shipping (3 weeks), or Digicape for R900. I can't wait 3 weeks and I'm not paying R900.

Where else can I buy this part locally and not pay an arm and a leg?

Any other tips / advice before I go through with this?

I'll also be upgrading the HDD to 1TB and potentially change to 8GB RAM if I don't plan on installing a 32bit OS.

Any help appreciated.

Jaryd
 
I upgraded my MacBook pro to 16GB RAM, 128 GB SSD (OCZ Vertex 4) and used a data doubler from DX.com. I posted links for the doubler and toolset here:

http://ubuntulife.co.za/forums/showthread.php?tid=23

Dx.com don't deliver very quickly but the doubler was cheap and it worked. I recommend getting the toolset since it has the correct size screwdriver as well as additional tools that you might need.
 
vinodh said:
Dx.com don't deliver very quickly but the doubler was cheap and it worked. I recommend getting the toolset since it has the correct size screwdriver as well as additional tools that you might need.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot! Was looking at getting a kit so that helps.

When you say "don't deliver quickly".. what time frame are we talking?

I use this laptop largely for DJ'ing at private functions where they don't have USB-enabled CD players. So upgrade needs to happen ASAP, with downtime being minimal :)
 
It's longer than eBay. Be prepared for a month. Maybe a bit quicker but not by much.
 
Damn that's expensive! The one I got from dx.com was $15. Still, if you need it quickly, then you must be prepared to pay.
 
Here... this should do the trick

This one is plastic, but has all the right holes in the right places for it to be mounted properly in the bay;

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/86690528/Apple_Mac_9_5mm_DVD_Tray_for_a_second_HDD.html

Installed two in two 13" 2011 macBook Pros just last week.

Works a treat, but gets a little toasty under the keyboard if used for normal HDD for additional storage.

For an SSD tho', heat should not be a problem.
 
kilobits said:
Here... this should do the trick

This one is plastic, but has all the right holes in the right places for it to be mounted properly in the bay;

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/86690528/Apple_Mac_9_5mm_DVD_Tray_for_a_second_HDD.html

Installed two in two 13" 2011 macBook Pros just last week.

Works a treat, but gets a little toasty under the keyboard if used for normal HDD for additional storage.

For an SSD tho', heat should not be a problem.
Click to expand...

Do you know if you can install bootcamp on that 2nd drive? Or must it be done on the main
 
I installed Ubuntu 13.04 on the second drive and it installed fine but on first reboot when I held down the Option key, it did not show Ubuntu or the drive. Just the SSD. However, when I partitioned the SSD and then installed Ubuntu, it worked fine. Going to try out a few more tricks tonight/tomorrow to see if I can get it working properly on the 2nd drive.
 
macsales.com

cheap prices
cheap shipping
some of the best (assembled in the US) SSD options customised for particular Mac models
 
I've tried a 3rd party adapter - don't remember the brand - and it didn't fit properly. Would have damaged the logic board if I left it in. So I ended up going for the "original" Optibay - http://www.mcetech.com/optibay/ - a lot more expensive but it's a perfect fit. Well worth the money.
 
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