iMac 2012: boot from external USB ODD?

[FFabian]

I got one of the new 2012 27" iMacs without optical disc drive.

I need an ODD for various reasons (****** internet connection e.g.). After seeing that for the price of one Apple SuperDrive I can buy two (perhaps even three) non-Apple ODDs I settled on the Samsung Ultrabook-DVD Brenner SE-218BB/RSBS (Slim, USB 2.0) (4,5 stars average, minimalistic design, single USB cable needed). I had liked a slot loading drive, but a decent one doesn't seem available.

Can I boot from a CD or DVD with this (or any other) ODD? Any experiences?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Yes, you can.

 

[FFabian]

Yes, you can.

That was fast. Thanks.

 

[xgman]

Some external drives won't boot for some reason on these new imacs and also mbp's. To be same get a Apple super drive.

 

[seanm9]

When the internal slot loading drive on my MBP c2d failed I bought a $50 LG drive with light scribe... It boots just fine and light scribe is really cool when you burn the labels on the drive