External CD/DVD drives

[txpeg]

What is a good external cd/dvd drive that will read and write? I mainly want to use it to install programs (such as Vista) and to download some genealogy data, photos, etc.
I have a 20" iMac (the last one made before the new Aluminum ones), running 10.5.1. Thanks!

 

[davidleon]

For a relatively inexpensive, yet very capable solution, many people trust the Pioneer DVR-112D:

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=AA36690&RSKU=AA36690

... which is also available with a black bezel. Or, the newer Pioneer DVR-115D:

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=AA72580

Since these are bare drives, you'll need an enclosure. You won't go wrong with the ME-340U2F enclosure, with USB and Firewire connections, that is trusted by many:

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=AA39270&RSKU=AA39270