What's a good, cheap, external DVD drive?

Valex · 04-26-2008, 08:18 PM

So, uh, the DVD burner on my laptop hit the dust about 2 hours ago, and now I'm in the market for a new one. However, I have basically no money, and I still have movies I want to burn, so I need a good DVD burner for as little money as possible.

I'm not quite sure how an internal one would work, but if the setup is easy enough, I'll use one too. Basically whatever's cheapest.

Thanks in advance!

WiLLiSTER · 04-26-2008, 11:59 PM

I've never really liked external optical drives. Convenient as they are, it's a pain if you go somewhere don't want to take the extra external drive. I'd say just get a new slimline drive if possible.

DeusExMachina · 04-27-2008, 01:12 AM

Ack, its just me but I don't really like those USB powered slim DVD RW drives. They are a bit slow, I think 8x is the fastest you can get, but granted it is very small and easy to carry around. I don't know if those slim ones are as durable as the non slim ones. I have a Buffalo brand (seemingly popular and Japan) and its lasted quite some time with no noticeable problems.

stuartwood89 · 04-27-2008, 02:14 AM

Internal drives are better IMO, and I think they're cheaper that external drives.

Only a estimate, but I think you can pick up a decent one for about $40 for a SATA, or <$30 for a normal one.

Valex · 04-27-2008, 11:34 AM

Are internal drives easy to set up?

Blackraven · 04-28-2008, 08:26 AM

ASUS optical drives. Plain and simple.

stuartwood89 · 04-28-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valex

Are internal drives easy to set up?

Yeah. Just open the case, screw the thing in, connect the power (molex or SATA) and then the actual data cable itself (IDE or SATA). Just like installing a hard drive.

Then install any drivers needed and you should be ready to go. Just follow the instructions. My dad can install one, and he's one of those guys who thinks he knows everything about computers just because he took the cover off one once. That's how easy it is.

revenGmyass · 04-29-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartwood89

Yeah. Just open the case, screw the thing in, connect the power (molex or SATA) and then the actual data cable itself (IDE or SATA). Just like installing a hard drive.

Then install any drivers needed and you should be ready to go. Just follow the instructions. My dad can install one, and he's one of those guys who thinks he knows everything about computers just because he took the cover off one once. That's how easy it is.

Actually I think this is an instruction for a desktop while the poster has a laptop.
So.. I think it depends on your laptop, to replace mine:
Unscrew 2 screws, slide the drive out, slide new drive in, screw in 2 screws

I can post a picture if you like

stuartwood89 · 04-29-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valex

So, uh, the DVD burner on my laptop hit the dust about 2 hours ago, and now I'm in the market for a new one.

Oh whoops.

Errr, then I think that , unless you can source a replacement drive from somewhere, it looks like it's a case of sending it off for repair. I've never changed a CD drive in a laptop, or any part in a laptop for that matter, but I've heard that as long as you kind of know your way around its insides, it's not that much harder than fitting one into a desktop.