Mac boot question

[benwiddowson]

Hi
I've got an Intel based Mac Mini, its been fine until yesterday when it wont read any cd/dvd, you slide it in the disc spins up but it is then ejected. Im guessing this means a broken cd drive. So my three options as i see it

1) Bin the mac
2) Get the drive replaced (its out of warranty)
3) Get my mac an external CD or DVD-RW drive.

If i was to go with option 3 would it be possible to reinstall OSx? I suppose what im trying to ask is if its possible to boot and then install from an external source? If so how is this done? And is it best to go USb or Firewire?

Thanks for your advice

Ben

 

[geoffreak]

The best option is #2. You can buy replacement superdrives off eBay. Just be careful what you buy will fit in the Mini. If your Mini is out of warranty, then the drive will need to be IDE, not SATA.

Next best option and easiest to do is #3, You should be able to boot off a USB external drive as your machine is an Intel. No guarantees though.

If you decide to go with option #1, I'll take it! I can use Macs without optical drives.

 

[benwiddowson]

The best option is #2. You can buy replacement superdrives off eBay. Just be careful what you buy will fit in the Mini. If your Mini is out of warranty, then the drive will need to be IDE, not SATA.

Next best option and easiest to do is #3, You should be able to boot off a USB external drive as your machine is an Intel. No guarantees though.

If you decide to go with option #1, I'll take it! I can use Macs without optical drives.

Thanks for the quick reply. If i do go with option 3 how do i boot from an external cd?