Need advice on an external DVD burner

[pottebaum]

Hey, I have a 2.1 ghz Macbook with Leopard, and I'm looking to buy an external DVD burner.

Throughout my search, though, I've found that most Mac compatible burners tend to be out of my price range ($100+).

But I did hear from someone that most DVD burners are compatible with modern Macs. Is this true?

 

[cyclingplatypus]

Very true, I used a LiteOn in an external case for a long time and then I stumbled upon a nice looking Sony DRX-830U for $30 and it works flawlessly.

 

[pottebaum]

Wow. 30 bucks? Awesome! Where'd you come across that deal?

So even thought he software that comes with the burner isn't mac compatible, it still works with iDvd?

 

[cyclingplatypus]

I found it on the clearance section of a Staples. The burning software that comes with the Mac works great on it, I've used it in iTunes, iDVD, and even via the Finder to create some back-ups.

 

[pottebaum]

Thanks. That's very reassuring.

Did the programs just work automatically, or did you need to do any kind of hacking?

 

[cyclingplatypus]

Thanks. That's very reassuring.

Did the programs just work automatically, or did you need to do any kind of hacking?

Nope they just worked, I remember under 10.3 I had to install something else but 10.4 & 10.5 they have just worked when plugged in.

 

[Consultant]

Get internal burner and an external enclosure and put it together.

Burner $27 (you don't need cables or screws as the enclosure comes with them). There are many others for various prices.
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151155

You can probably find a 5.25" enclosure on newegg also. Paying a little bit more for one that has both Firewire and USB might be useful if you need to use it on pcs, otherwise I suggest firewire. Read the reviews first. Make sure it's 5.25 for a cd/dvd drive.

Don't need software.

 

[drrich2]

Hi:

Long as you're buying, consider getting a Lightscribe capable DVD burner, in case you decide you'd like to make them.

Richard.

 

[IbookUser6]

DVD burner

Cycling Platypus, what software enabled you to use your DRX-830u with 10.3?

 

[cyclingplatypus]

Cycling Platypus, what software enabled you to use your DRX-830u with 10.3?

Never used the DRX-830U with 10.3 but Patchburn is what I used for the LiteOn that I used and it should work for any external drive in 10.3.x.