X60 questions - ultrabase/no optical?

Hi,

I'm interested in an X60, but it doesn't have an optical drive. I think i'll need/want an optical drive, but it doesn't make sense to carry the X60 docked in the ultrabase. It seems like it would make more sense to carry around a small usb dvd-r. I might be able to use DAEMON tools or similar to mount iso's, but I'm gessing that the cd's I need to mount are copy protected in some way. I'd probably be able to rip the iso's, but I'm sure I'd run across a cd/dvd that I won't be able to rip. (my car's service manual would be a good example - I think it's copy protected)

Could someone take some pics of thier X60 while docked in an ultrabase? I'm trying to figure out how thick it is when docked. I recall reading it was 1.8" thick while docked.

Thanks!

 

I think you are better off with a USB external drive. You can pick up a case at Centrix Intl for around $20 and then put any drive in it you want. I have a NEC drive. It works in Unbuntu.

 

yah.. I was thinking the same thing, but then I was thinking about my car service manual... It would be a huge pain in the butt to fuss w/ a notebook with a external dvd hanging off of it... in addition, I think a X60 + external dvd almost equals a T60 in terms of weight and bulk... sadly, I'm pretty torn between the two... a 12" thinkpad w/ optical would be ideal, even if it were slightly heavier/larger than the current X60... =/

 

I agree it can be a bit cumbersome. It is not as easy to lay on the couch and burn discs, but doable. On the plus side, with a external case you can use any drive you want. LGs and NECs are much better drives than the junky Panasonic drives offered on ThinkPads. I use my burner mostly while at my desk so for me it is not too big a deal. There certainly are other options like the Fujitsu S, but it is not Core Duoized yet. Good Luck.

 

i think the only thing that the ultrabase is better is because incase you want to install a different OS or such...I don't know if an usb drive would do that.