EXTERNAL Lenovo optical DRIVE USB Lead

[blink]

Hi, I think i may have mentioned this before? i need a usb lead for my drive (connections look like a standard a-b printer type lead but standard generic ones dont have enough oomph to support it.
It seems to have an extra bit near the end that supplies more power (Sorry if i didnt explain that too well) The original lead is TDK branded (Please see pic) http://flic.kr/p/bn4fmU

Any Ideas where i could get one or something similar that would do the job?

Thanks

[RealBlackStuff]

The extra 'blob' is just a piece of ferrite (magnetic core) material, that sort of boosts the energy flowing through the cable.
See e.g. this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_core
The USB cable itself is the same as any other USB cable.
Just Google for: USB cable with ferrite core.

[Brad]

I have a similar Lenovo external usb optical drive. The other day I was setting up to boot from the external drive. I had temporarily misplaced the cable that came with the drive and found another similar cable that fit. The ThinkPad did not recognize the drive with the similar cable. I found the cable it came with and sure enough it worked perfectly.

Brad

[blink]

Thanks RBS that has taught me something new much appreciated.
Yes like Brad i tried other cables without joy, thought it may have been the length & purchased some cheap short Printer cables but no joy.
Much appreciated.