What do you recommend for an optical drive?

[Bricks1226]

I don't know what Optical Drive I should buy. I am looking for an optical drive that can burn and read.

 

[James Mason]

the cheapest one you can find.

Or get an external one you can plug and move with new computers as needed.

 

[robert600]

I've been using an ASUS external blu-ray burner for a couple of years now. I burn a lot and have had no issues whatsoever (aside from the very occasional bad blank discs). I'd highly recommend it - no external power required but it does use 2 usb ports.

 

[James Mason]

I've been using an ASUS external blu-ray burner for a couple of years now. I burn a lot and have had no issues whatsoever (aside from the very occasional bad blank discs). I'd highly recommend it - no external power required but it does use 2 usb ports.

One thing to note, you may not be able to boot/install an OS with an external drive that doesn't have it's own power source.

And not all devices will have 2 USB ports.

 

[mobyaki]

They are pretty much all the same.

Never really noticed a big difference between brands in this area.

Most seem to be made by LG, Samsung, Lite-On and some by a Hitachi / Toshiba alliance.

The Rolls-Royce used to be Plextor but this might have changed.