Sony Vaio VGN FE31H spares/repairs?

[parrotboy]

Hi, my old laptop is finally dyeing out. The A key on the keyboard has stopped working, and the DVD drive fails to read discs.

So where can I buy DVD drives and keyboards for it? Looked all over, its very hard to find spares for the laptop. We will also be upgrading the RAM to 2gb, maybe 3gb.

[Blencogo]

Hi parrotboy,

You will need to import a keyboard from the USA. I would avoid those available on eBay!!

Have a look here: -

http://www.nexttronics.com/reference/sony/fe7/int-FE51B-H.htm

Unfortunately the English keyboard is more expensive than the others - it may be worth buying a US keyboard and changing a few keys!!

Most of us here use Crucial.com for memory. Have a look here: -

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listparts.aspx?model=VAIO%20VGN-FE31H

Most places say that 2GB is the maximum for the FE-Series Vaios. If you try more it may or may not work.

It is best to buy a commercial DVD-RW. these are available from £30 upwards. Something like this one would do but I would take the old one out and make sure it is the same: -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-SN-S082H-BEBE-Internal-WriteMaster/dp/B001B8AHIA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&...

To remove your DVD drive is quite easy - just remove two screws and pull: -

[parrotboy]

Ouch, thats alot of money just for a keyboard, all that just to get one key working again 😞 .

Well, the DVD drive we will definatley get, I will look into alternatives for the keyboard though. Thanks for your help.

**EDIT**
Do you know anywhere else to get that drive? It says 1-2 month dispatch on amazon.

Also, does it have to be the exact same model as the one that is in? The one that is in is a Panasonic UJ-850 (Matshita)

[Blencogo]

I am sure you can find a UJ-850 using Google but expect to pay £55 to £65.

A Panasonic drive would be preferable because you stand a better chance of getting the original faceplate to fit.

Basically most IDE slimline drives will fit but you will need to check compatibility with the supplier.

You will neede to search - try Google for Panasonic and Optiarc IDE slimline dvd-rw

[parrotboy]

Right, I'll have a good look around, thanks for the help.