Thinkpads Forum

Other than the ultrabase, do you guys use an external usb optical drive? what are the pros and cons? any particular recommendations?

I much prefer external USB optical drives because:

1) they take up less space than ultrabases

2) USB drives can be plugged into any computer

3) Ultrabases look ugly

most of the external USB optical drives require additional AC power, which is really a downside for me on the go

But do you really need an optical drive on the go? For instance, DVD movies can easily be ripped onto the hard drive.

That's a good point, i agree. It's just more convinient if you don't need to rip the DVD in advance, maybe I am too lazy

A happy surprise! I figured that I need the ultra base for ease of mind. So I called sales rep to edit my order. she had to cancel my original order and config my system all over again. Then I found out this really great deal from her. I am not sure whether it's temporary though. It's definitely by phone order only.

If you get any of the Lenovo Experts Live services, cheapest one 69 dollars, you can get 10% off your system. since my system costs 2200, that means I am almost getting the ultrabase w/ DVD-rom for free.

I use the Panasonic UJ-85J-B drive which is the same drive as used in the MacBooks.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDe ... ode=175305
Purchase a separate plastic enclosure:
http://www.netcomdirect.com/nencusb205ex.html
Other options are the Sony DRXS50U
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDe ... ode=172485
or the Sony DRXS70U
http://www.provantage.com/sony-drxs70u~7SNYC9PR.htm
The Sony solutions come with the Nero software.


Note: I have never seen the Sony drives.

I've got an LG external DVD burner for use with my X61. It's 12.8 ounces. It can burn DVD's by being powered only by the USB port on the Thinkpad, so no external AC adapter is required (in fact, it doesn't even ship with one).

It's available at best buy and other places. Comes with Nero software. I've been very impressed with it and happy with the purchase. Here is a link to it at Best buy:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 6003682462

Steve

pianowizard wrote: 1) they take up less space than ultrabases

Depends. If you are required to carry the optical drive, then yes, very much so. If you just leave it on the desk, then no. An Ultrabase takes almost zero space, when the laptop is plugged into it.

pianowizard wrote: 2) USB drives can be plugged into any computer

Very true. An important advantage if you have multiple computers with no built-in optical drives, or just want a travel burner.

pianowizard wrote: 3) Ultrabases look ugly

Maybe, but in a desk setup, I'd much rather have a laptop plugged into a base/dock, then have the external burner, and the USB cable from the external burner, and if I'm not lucky, the power cord as well, all dangling around my desk.

The Panasonic drive in my previous post requires only the USB cable, no external power. It is a top notch drive.

If you ever travel at all you'll want to bring a portable unit along.

dfumento wrote:The Panasonic drive in my previous post requires only the USB cable, no external power. It is a top notch drive.

If you ever travel at all you'll want to bring a portable unit along.

How would you rate the Panasonic drive in the NetCom enclosure (the combination, not just the drive itself)?

My options are:
1) 5.25" internal drive in a Vantec enclosure (and leave it at home) 2) 9.5 mm drive in an enclosure (your solution)
3) LG GSA-E50L (see below)

wolfman wrote:I've got an LG external DVD burner for use with my X61. It's 12.8 ounces. It can burn DVD's by being powered only by the USB port on the Thinkpad, so no external AC adapter is required (in fact, it doesn't even ship with one).

It's available at best buy and other places. Comes with Nero software. I've been very impressed with it and happy with the purchase. Here is a link to it at Best buy:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 6003682462

Steve

The drive is not cheap at $99, but LG makes quality drives. I have had 2 LG external DVD burners over the last 3 years, and they both work extremely well.

I personally use the Pioneer DVR-K05 when I am on the road. It is a slot loading CDRW/DVD-DL burner. I purchased it from Centrix International, http://www.centrix-intl.com The case it comes with looks like it is the same NetCom enclosure, but they have it for $6.50.
I have multiple ultrabases for my X series laptops, but they stay home and the Pioneer stays in my bag. If you don't like the idea of slot loading, they have many choices ranging from $69.00 to $79.00

http://www.centrix-intl.com/list.asp?CategoryID=6

Henry

Actually, I use the centrix enclosure listed above, but lost the reference to it so I found the other enclosure for a friend. I asked around at the Panasonic got very good reviews and is also a front loader. As I said, the Panasonic unit is the one selected by apple to use in their laptops.

Incidentally, Lenovo also sells a USB 2.0 drive, but it is expensive and larger than the drive using the centrix enclosure.

Henrycc wrote:I personally use the Pioneer DVR-K05 when I am on the road. It is a slot loading CDRW/DVD-DL burner. I purchased it from Centrix International, http://www.centrix-intl.com The case it comes with looks like it is the same NetCom enclosure, but they have it for $6.50.
I have multiple ultrabases for my X series laptops, but they stay home and the Pioneer stays in my bag. If you don't like the idea of slot loading, they have many choices ranging from $69.00 to $79.00

http://www.centrix-intl.com/list.asp?CategoryID=6

Henry

Thanks for the link! The prices are very tempting indeed. I am most attracted by the Pioneer KVR-K05 as well.

xmod wrote:Other than the ultrabase, do you guys use an external usb optical drive? what are the pros and cons? any particular recommendations?

I've used Sony MPD-AP20U for years. It can't burn DVDs, but runs off the USB power and is tiny. It DOES NOT need the dock often shown in pictures.

I use a cheapy external "slim" USB DVD-RW drive I got from eBay. It can be powered using 2 USB ports (I find that it works nice and reliably with the two USB plugs near the right palmrest)

Another interesting option - PX-608CU.

http://www.plextor.be/products/px-608cu ... e=PX-608CU
http://www.cdfreaks.com/reviews/Plextor ... ter-Review

loyukfai wrote:Another interesting option - PX-608CU.

http://www.plextor.be/products/px-608cu ... e=PX-608CU
http://www.cdfreaks.com/reviews/Plextor ... ter-Review

IBM had the same exact design few years ago. Interesting to see it again in another color from a different manufacturer.

Bought the LG GSA-E50L from Best Buy in the end. The price has increased to $119 (maybe because of the weakening Dollar?) but it is a nice little drive that should work fine with my X61. Will post more comments after maybe a week's use.

I'm going to get one from here they are nice and cheap. I also like the sounds of the LG slimdrive external, LG makes excelent DVD RW's, but these are much cheaper.

http://www.centrix-intl.com/list.asp?CategoryID=6#4

I'll probably go with the slot loading USB powered Pioneer cause I don't care about writing to RAM disks.

I've burned approximately 100 dvds/cds with my Pioneer slot loading drive from Centrix. I've used the drive with my X31, X40, X60, and X61T and haven't had any issues The drive has always been powered up by the single USB plug.

loyukfai wrote:Another interesting option - PX-608CU.

http://www.plextor.be/products/px-608cu ... e=PX-608CU
http://www.cdfreaks.com/reviews/Plextor ... ter-Review

I use this with my X60s. Excellent drive, can be driven both by AC and USB power. Burns DVDs at 8x without a hitch (Plextor rarely gives coasters), very small and durable. An excellent choice, it would be even better if it were black.

I have the ultrabase with the DVD burner, and I wish I didn't pick it up, I never use it!....would have saved some money too!

I bought a Pioneer DVD Burner. It is heavy. I am never ever taking it on the road with me. I wish I had spent a little extra on the LG.

michaelhoffman wrote:I bought a Pioneer DVD Burner. It is heavy. I am never ever taking it on the road with me. I wish I had spent a little extra on the LG.

which Pioneer? Is it the slim drive linked above?

Thanks.

if you get the slim enclosure separately from centrix, make [censored] the drive you put in it is slot loading.

I got the centrix enclosure and a samsung slim dvdrw (was just much cheaper than getting the pioneer slot combo), and even cutting the front of the enclosure corners around the drive bezel, it still sticks like a XXXX. luckily I had a older M a t s u s h i t a uj slot dvdrw.

also, the centrix enclosure often seems to crap out after 20-30mins sometimes. it's definitely not the slim drives I've tried, 'cos I have had them in various ultrabays and whatnot previously as well as currently. the latest adventure was installing xp64 and it crapped out a few times but finally succeeded. well, what can you expect for six-fitty. (nb: I would recommend NOT using it if you need to do something like boot a recovery cd to filesystem-check a hd)

also also, the centrix enclosure has really poor internal cable design and is tricky to assemble if you are putting your own slim drive into it.

MOD EDIT: Watch your language, that's a very extreme term to use on a civilized forum which we won't be tolerating again.

mod edit? please. I think all of us have seen bad words before. I feel like I'm in elementary school again. At least don't be so condescending about your edits.

ps: this forum is very useful for thinkpad-related things, so thank you very much for that, but you guys should consider lightening up on the strictness...it's overbearing and unnecessary, and I can't send this in a non-public way because you didn't even leave a name.

fair enough, apologies for the transgression.

as for not tolerating it again, please try using the search function to edit the times you have tolerated it in the past. additionally, please tell a certain forum member that you will not tolerate his username. just to be fair and consistent in the application of policy, y'know.

IBM USB 2.0 73P4520 cd-rw/dvd rom drive

I got this one with x41t works well , plug it in and way in goes? NO extra power needed.

Never an issue, thats if you don't need to burn DVD's?

Have it now for the x61T

tarvoke wrote:if you get the slim enclosure separately from centrix, make [censored] the drive you put in it is slot loading.

I got the centrix enclosure and a samsung slim dvdrw (was just much cheaper than getting the pioneer slot combo), and even cutting the front of the enclosure corners around the drive bezel, it still sticks like a XXXX. luckily I had a older M a t s u s h i t a uj slot dvdrw.

also, the centrix enclosure often seems to crap out after 20-30mins sometimes. it's definitely not the slim drives I've tried, 'cos I have had them in various ultrabays and whatnot previously as well as currently. the latest adventure was installing xp64 and it crapped out a few times but finally succeeded. well, what can you expect for six-fitty. (nb: I would recommend NOT using it if you need to do something like boot a recovery cd to filesystem-check a hd)

also also, the centrix enclosure has really poor internal cable design and is tricky to assemble if you are putting your own slim drive into it.

MOD EDIT: Watch your language, that's a very extreme term to use on a civilized forum which we won't be tolerating again.

How many did your purchase? Is it possible you just got a bad one? This is the first negative review I have read.