[Kiwi_nl]

Hi guys,

I was wondering, as Im about to purchase an iBook, about the slot loading drive. Im used to having a disk tray on my current PC laptop, and I'm thinking that the slot loading idea is a good one as I've damaged my disk tray before on my current laptop. However, I have a question for those here who have been using their iBook for a while but hardly ever use the optical drive -

Does the slot loading optical drive gather dust when not used for a long period? Or worse still, does it allow dust to enter into the drive?

I will be visiting farms, and dusty villages with this laptop (Im working for an African NGO) and I wouldn't want the iBook to allow dust particles in that easily when I have it out.

[nbn22385]

The slot loading drive has little bristles that cover the opening, like on car CD players. I would assume it stays virtually dust free.

[KianD]

Its beyond bristles - it seems to be the same material draught excluders are made from (for those of you who live in countries with good weather, things you put on doors/windows to stop air getting in in winter). However, even if it does get dusty, just blast it with compressed air - most small canisters have a nozzle that'll fit in through the slot.

[SSharon]

If you don't plan on using the drive much I would be safe and just place a line of scotch tape or something over the drive. It costs next to nothing and only takes a few seconds. Its also easy to remove and won't leave any permanent marks.

[brickcam]

I'd be more concerned about your screen getting scratched. Watch out for dust collecting on your keyboard and then your keys scratching the lcd. No easy fix.

[afireinside]

Yeah if your gona be around dust that much deffinatly get a skin for the keyboard and screen. Optical driven should stay pretty clean. Some scotch tape over it would be safe if your that worried.