Laptop easy access to swap HD's

[linux_driver]

I am looking for a laptop with multiple HD's (at least 2). I like to be able to swap out the boot drive for one I've set up for a specific boot OS: linux (usually debian), Win 7 and 10, and Server 2012. I also will use mostly HyperV and perhaps VMWare Workstation. The powerhouse Dell Precision I purchased has an m.2 buried well within the laptop (plus the keyboard is not backlit - my bad). So, access to reasonably easily swap out the drives is important.

I'm not looking for some sketchy laptop that will be flaky. I've recently heard of Clevos laptops being re-branded by various boutique builders. If this is the best way to go, then I need to ensure the boutique builder is reputable with the resources to stand behind their products.

Thanks for any leads.


1. What is your budget?
Up to 2K. But I would likely start with lower Ram, smaller disk drives, then upgrade over time.

2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
not critical, but I's expect it will be with a 17 in screen, and therefore fairly big, with a larger power adapter.

3. What screen resolution do you want?
Not a primary deciding factor

4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
Not a primary deciding factor

5. How much battery life do you need?
Not a primary deciding factor. It will likely be plugged in most of the time.

6. Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
No. Business use.

7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, Etc.)
Work apps, light programming, IT tech stuff, I also will use mostly HyperV and perhaps VMWare Workstation. I will have separate SATA drives to run Linux (usually debian), Win 7 and 10, and Server 2012 and swap as as appropriate.

8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?
Not a primary deciding factor, but, at least two, easily accessible drives. Preferably not m.2. If I'm swapping drives, they are somewhat fragile, and I want to easily be able to image the drive on a desktop running Linux via SATA.


9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.

10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?
Not a primary deciding factor, but I'm expecting that what i buy will be more on the power user side.

11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
External will be fine.

12. Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
I normally buy from the well known brands (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, etc), but the Dell I just purchased for this is not quite there (the damn m.2 buried deep inside the laptop).

13. What country do you live in?
USA

14. Please tell us any additional information if needed.

 

[JeffDaemon]

Swapable hard drives have kind of been on the out and out with USB 3.0 hard drives. If you need to swap a boot drive for what ever reason then try getting a high speed USB 3.0 stick and boot from it. I do believe you can find hard drive caddies that replace the slimline cdrom drives that will support easy removal, although this will only cover one of your drive slots.

 

[linux_driver]

When I say swap, it is Ok if I have to open a few screws to access the laptop internals. it's when i have to really dig into the internals that it's a pain. Just looking for a laptop with a design that gives me a little of what I want.

 

[SMachel]

I think you looking for laptops with swappable storage bay drive, and that's usually available in business and some Gaming products.
I had the Dell Lattitude E6400 with a sliding side drive caddy that I used multiple Hard drives with.
I would search all the high-end Business and Gaming laptops of the top brands (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus)

ex
https/www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Description=laptops%20with%202%20hard%20drive%20bays&Submit=ENE

 

[markdonat]

Panasonic toughbooks such as the ct-31 have swappable hard drive caddys no tools required.


programming, IT tech stuff, I also will use mostly HyperV and perhaps VMWare Workstation. I will have separate SATA drives to run Linux (usually debian), Win 7 and 10, and Server 2012 and swap as as appropriate.

8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?
Not a primary deciding factor, but, at least two, easily accessible drives. Preferably not m.2. If I'm swapping drives, they are somewhat fragile, and I want to easily be able to image the drive on a desktop running Linux via SATA.


9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.

10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?
Not a primary deciding factor, but I'm expecting that what i buy will be more on the power user side.

11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
External will be fine.

12. Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
I normally buy from the well known brands (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, etc), but the Dell I just purchased for this is not quite there (the damn m.2 buried deep inside the laptop).

13. What country do you live in?
USA

14. Please tell us any additional information if needed.[/quotemsg]