USB Optical Drive

[Eclipse2xx]

Hi,

I recently discovered the need to get a Optical drive to complement my macbook air. Does anyone have a suggestion for which one to get? (aside from the one that apple offers at their store,which is quite expensive IMO). I need one that's relatively easy to install and is compatible with the air. Thanks in advance.

J

 

[KylePowers]

Do you not have another computer with an optical drive? You could use CD/DVD sharing. From Apple's tech specs on MBA:

Without a built-in optical drive, how do you install new applications? Simply use DVD or CD Sharing. This convenient feature of Mac OS X lets you wirelessly “borrow” the optical drive of a nearby Mac or PC. So you can install applications from a DVD or CD and have full access to an optical drive without having to carry one around

I've been looking for one myself though. You could check out Newegg?
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=420&name=External-CD-DVD-Blu-Ray-Drives

You can get a slim one (read only) for as low as $22 with rebate or a slim burner for as low as $25 with rebate. I would assume that all these are Mac compatible, as they're simply USB... but I haven't tried yet, so I'm not sure.

EDIT: This might help: http://www.brighthub.com/computing/mac-platform/articles/97960.aspx

 

[dmw16]

I'd just go for the SuperDrive from Apple to avoid any issues.

I recently discovered that you cannot install Windows (via bootcamp) on a Mac via external DVD drive unless it's a SuperDrive. So if you think you'd ever want to use bootcamp you'll need a 'real' SuperDrive.

 

[KylePowers]

I'd just go for the SuperDrive from Apple to avoid any issues.

I recently discovered that you cannot install Windows (via bootcamp) on a Mac via external DVD drive unless it's a SuperDrive. So if you think you'd ever want to use bootcamp you'll need a 'real' SuperDrive.

Is it possible to just install Windows (via bootcamp) on a Mac via flash drive?

 

[bowlerman625]

I'd just go for the SuperDrive from Apple to avoid any issues.

I recently discovered that you cannot install Windows (via bootcamp) on a Mac via external DVD drive unless it's a SuperDrive. So if you think you'd ever want to use bootcamp you'll need a 'real' SuperDrive.

Excellent suggestion