External DVD Player Question

[chloe.gray]

Hi,

The CD/DVD player/slot is damaged on my MacBook Pro and I want to get an external player. I've found a list of seemingly good ones here:

http://eshop.macsales.com/search/dvd

However, I want to make sure that this will also allow me to install new programs. I want it to function EXACTLY like the one that is already incorporated into my computer. I have no idea where to start or what to look for and would very much appreciate advice on this. Thanks!

 

[gr8tfly]

Any should work fine, both for reading and writing. OWC is a good brand, and you can use the case later if you want to go Blu-ray. Here's a good one - it has LightScribe, also, which I like at times: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/MRBFW2SD22LS/

I would recommend Firewire. Even if the DVD drive doesn't necessarily need the bandwidth, the daisy-chain ability is very handy. There are other advantages to Firewire over USB2.

 

[toolbox]

I use a external drive. It will allow you to burn cds / dvds with it, watch dvds and install programs including booting from system cds.