I'm actually quite embarrassed, but I can't figure this one out. I have a Thinkpad 390E B0U I purchased on Ebay without a hard drive. The encloser takes a standard 2.5" drive, but there is a go between adapter of sorts that connects the 44 pin IDC to the bus in the dedicated hard drive bay (at the back of the unit). Now, short of getting a fibre optic flashlight and perhaps a magnifying glass, I can't identify precisely how many pins this connector uses (though I do believe it's a flat edge Dual Inline Connector much like what was used on the old RLL drives, or a larger, clumsier connection of the SATA internal power connectors).

So here's my question, has anyone any idea of what the name of that rather annoying adapter is? It's not unique (at least precisely) to Think Pads, I've seen them in Gateways and other laptops. And has anyone an idea on where I'd go about procuring a few of these? I've tried Lenovo's site but they're pretty much useless.

I'd appreciate any insight!

Thanks

Hey there and welcome to PCHF,

From what I could garner from Google, the laptop uses ATA/IDE. Now if I understand correctly you're saying it's missing the interface from IDE to the board? Is a picture possible?

Hey, thanks for the response

Yes, it does take ATA/IDE; and yes, there's a coupler (well more a converter) that fits between the 44 pin 2.5" IDE connector of the drive and the female card edge style connector at the back of the dedicated bay. I'll post a picture of it on monday as I'm on my way out the door now.


MasterOfX

And you're saying you're missing the IDE to card adapter right?