X200s External DVD Drive Suggestions

Hi,

Are there any suggestions for a make and model of an external optical USB DVD drive that works well with the X200s?

Thanks!

 

Pick one and go with it. They're all about the same. If you're willing to spend a bit more, could probably get a Blu-ray reader.

 

Thanks for you input.

So the X200s is pretty compatible then?

Thanks!

 

When it comes to laptops and laptop accessories, I have a strong bias towards buying things that have been reviewed on NBR That's why I bought this for my X200:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4308

Take heed in what I'm about to point out though: This unit comes with 1 USB data cable, and 2 DC power cables, 1 of which you can plug into a spare USB port and another one which you can plug into a wall outlet. So basically you have a choice of plugging in 2 USB cables, or 1 USB cable + 1 power cable.

If you're simply READING a DVD, it is sufficient to have just the USB data cable plugged in. However, if you decide to burn a DVD, you should either have it plugged into the wall or you should plug in the second USB cable with it. I tried burning DVDs a couple of times with just the single USB cable plugged in, and although Nero finished burning the DVD, I encountered a few CRC errors when verifying the data.

What I said above probably applies to most (or all) portable DVD burners out there. Unless maybe you burn at 4X instead of 8X, which I have not tried. (It might work though, since burning at a lower speed should require less power)

In general, ZaZ is correct, but you will find that some of the DVD burners might be slightly faster than others. Maybe not a big deal, but when you're limited to 8X every little bit might count That's why I use DVD+Rs instead of DVD-Rs lol.. they burn a little faster.

Edit: I wouldn't worry about compatibility if I were you.. but just make sure you get a good brand-name product and not some no-name thing.

 

Any USB model should work fine.

The major thing you need to decide is if you want a full size or slimline (laptop style) drive. The full size drives are cheaper and faster but require an AC adapter. Slimline drives tend to be USB powered and are thus a superior choice if you want it to be portable.

Any decent brand should work fine. I have had good luck with Samsung and Lite-On.

Quick browse of Newegg turns up these models (should work fine):

Lite-ON 20x (full size) $40

Samsung 8x (slim) $55

A third option (what I did) is to buy an enclosure ( like this $14 one) and reuse an existing notebook drive if you have one lying around.

 

I have the samsung 8x slim one in black. Has worked well.

 

Thanks for your input everyone.

I've read some reviews of the Samsung SE-S084B, and it seems to fit the bill. Thanks for the suggestion.

Portability is definitely important to me, so I guess loosing a little speed is a fair trade.

Thanks again!