ThinkPad Super Multi-Burner Ultrabay Slim Drive (flat bezel)

[alofano]

I am thinking of getting a ThinkPad Super Multi-Burner Ultrabay Slim Drive (flat bezel) for my T60. After checking Lenovo for part number(s) I got three : PN 40Y8623, PN 39T2677 and PN 41N5643. Which one should I consider getting ? Or should I just get and external one ? Thanks guys for your help.

[ZaZ]

I don't think there's much of a practical difference between the burners. An external desktop drive will be faster, but isn't as portable if that's a concern.

[Radioguy]

I disagree to an extent. I'm not certain of the mfgr's by FRU off the top of my head, but some brands are worse than others in read/write errors, media compatibility and offer less frequent firmware updates, or for a shorter lifespan (Not that Lenovo will necessarily offer one if they update the OEM version frequently).

CD Freaks is (was) the place for learning what is what in regards to burning. They still exist here:

http://club.myce.com/f61/

[amujee]

If reading DVDs from different regions is important to you, avoid the Panasonic models.
Threads on this board indicate there's no firmware or software workaround for Panasonic drives.