External DVD burner for a powerbook

[acidburn]

I own a powerbook g4 without an internal DVD burner.

Anyone recommend an external burner. I've done some searching online and found a few options.

Does anyone own one that they would recommend?

Thanks.

[tokenuser]

These tend to be expensive. HP and Sony make decent ones, but anothoer option (for ANY external storage), is to build your own.

Get an external USB2.0/Firewire (preferably Firewire ... it is "slower" if you look at the specs than USB 2.x, but has a higher sustainable throughput, so is actually faster for this type of operation).
Get an INTERNAL DVD Burner (something like this LiteOn model (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106050) for $34).
Hook them together.

OSX should recognise the drive as an external burner.

[acidburn]

These tend to be expensive. HP and Sony make decent ones, but anothoer option (for ANY external storage), is to build your own.

Get an external USB2.0/Firewire (preferably Firewire ... it is "slower" if you look at the specs than USB 2.x, but has a higher sustainable throughput, so is actually faster for this type of operation).
Get an INTERNAL DVD Burner (something like this LiteOn model (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106050) for $34).
Hook them together.

OSX should recognise the drive as an external burner.

So to use this drive I'd also need to buy an enclosure?

I've never considered this type of option. Thanks for the tip.

[tokenuser]

So to use this drive I'd also need to buy an enclosure?

I've never considered this type of option. Thanks for the tip.Yes. Once installed, it will act as a plug and play USB or Firewire device. If you are a little nervous about trying this, DONT go to Newegg, go to your local BestCityUSA store, and pick up something you can exchange. Try it out ...

[acidburn]

When I do buy, I will probably end up going with an model already designed as an external burner. I've found some good deals on refurb units.

While putting together my own in an enclosure is a valid and less expensive way to go, I gave it some thought and I don't think it is the route I should take.

Thanks for the suggestions Token!

[jbeebe67]

I stumbled across your suggestion about building an external burner and think its a great idea. My only question is about power, do I use firewire, since G4 Powerbooks dont supply enough power through the USB ports, or do I need to purchase a power supply regardless of which way I go (USB or Firewire).

Thanks

John Beebe

[tokenuser]

I stumbled across your suggestion about building an external burner and think its a great idea. My only question is about power, do I use firewire, since G4 Powerbooks dont supply enough power through the USB ports, or do I need to purchase a power supply regardless of which way I go (USB or Firewire).

Thanks

John BeebeThose enclosures come with an external powerbrick. For total portability (at the loss of battery life) some of them can run by plugging into both USB ports ... but thos are much more expensive and a lot harder to find.

[vanden]

Sony makes some great external dvd bunners ... Newegg has one for as cheap at 50 bucks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106098

I might buy that myslef later on....