What do you recommend for an optical drive?

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

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Jun 29, 2014
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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.