I’m looking for a laptop that allows easy access to the NVMe drive, so I can quickly remove and replace it without needing to unscrew multiple screws to get the back cover off. Ideally, I want something with quick access for swapping drives. Can anyone suggest any good models?
Why do you need this? M.2 NVMe drives aren’t really designed to be plugged and unplugged frequently. Also, laptops with access panels usually still have screws, and they tend to be more expensive and bulkier.
@Zion
It’s for diagnostic work. Some software doesn’t work well with others, so I like to keep everything separate. My old CF-19 had an easy-access flap for the removable SSD drive bay, and I’m looking for something similar. I don’t mind a screw or two, as long as the access is easy. Are M.2 SSDs really designed to not be unplugged much? I’ve used regular SSD caddies for years with no issues.
@Wendell
Why not just get an NVMe-to-USB enclosure? That way, you can swap drives more easily.
Clovis said:
@Wendell
Why not just get an NVMe-to-USB enclosure? That way, you can swap drives more easily.
I’m often in and out of cars and houses, so I don’t want something sticking out like a USB enclosure that could get unplugged in the middle of important work. Plus, I need my USB ports for diagnostic equipment.
@Wendell
An external drive enclosure would work, but why do you need to keep swapping the drive? Plenty of laptops have two NVMe slots. Just be aware, these drives are only rated for around 60 cycles, though they’ll usually last longer.
@Zion
I have five separate SSD caddies for my CF-19, since a lot of software and drivers aren’t compatible with others. So, I keep them separate depending on what I’m working on, especially with different vehicles.
@Wendell
You might want to consider partitioning a larger drive instead. Carrying around an M.2 drive versus one in an enclosure isn’t too bad either. Honestly, though, if you’re doing all this for storage, maybe a remote desktop setup could work better.
@Zion
Now that you mention it, don’t NVMe drives come in smaller sizes now? If I got a laptop with four small ones, could I load a separate OS on each and boot whichever I need? Are there laptops with 4 NVMe slots available?