3rd party external drive

[alaibubu]

I've already searched and can't seem to find a straight answer.

I have an LG 16x external drive. Will this work with the MBA for tasks such as installing system software?

For that matter, apart from unpowered dvd drives, what else does not work with the MBA's USB port.


Thank you.

 

[rom]

I've already searched and can't seem to find a straight answer.

I have an LG 16x external drive. Will this work with the MBA for tasks such as installing system software?

For that matter, apart from unpowered dvd drives, what else does not work with the MBA's USB port.


Thank you.

You tell us. Just hook it up and then try it - then post here.

 

[alaibubu]

I don't own an MBA, yet. I am still pondering the purchase for my wife. If I had one, I would have tested it already. Our mac store is not located at a convenient distance from where I am staying so I can't test it there. I don't know anyone who has bought one either.

 

[rom]

I don't own an MBA, yet. I am still pondering the purchase for my wife. If I had one, I would have tested it already. Our mac store is not located at a convenient distance from where I am staying so I can't test it there. I don't know anyone who has bought one either.

Ah, unfortunately, I don't have that drive either.

However, I have heard that it works with the MBA but you need to power it externally.

 

[Abq-Pete]

It should work so long as it is an externally powered unit. I've tried several without any problems (Plextor, Benq, Samsung, etc.). I've used them to burn discs, install software, and reinstall Leopard (to reduce the junk on the drive). Sure beats using remote drive in terms of speed and ease...

 

[alaibubu]

Just the answer I was looking for, thank you. The way Apple presented it, the reviews and the complains made it seemed the only option for the MBA was Apple's own external drive and through remote drive.

 

[CanadaRAM]

The question isn't whether it will work, (any USB drive should read and write) it's whether it will be bootable.

 

[Abq-Pete]

The last one I tested (Benq) booted no problem with the Leopard Install disc (make sure you hold down the OPTION key while it boots). Then you can see what will work or not. I did the reinstall to reduce the bloat...

 

[riyadc2]

I use my Xbox 360 HDDVD drive with my macbook air all the time, and it works perfectly.

 

[riyadc2]

I used my Xbox 360 HDDVD drive to install windows xp using bootcamp and it worked fine.

 

[CanadaRAM]

.... except for that nasty dual-click problem on "Submit" buttons...