The optical drive on my macbook died the other day and would like to replace it.  Ideally I'd like to replace it with a superdrive but the regular drive will do as well.  As long as I can read DVDs I'm happy.  Both of them have to be slot loading.

Thanks

Powerbook Medic ( http://www.powerbookmedic.com/Optical-Drive-Upgrades-p-1-c-441.html ) sells the combo for $110 and thesuperdrive for $150. To install it yourself, Powerbook Medic provides an illustrated guide. Give yourself at least an hour to do the swap. They also offer to do the swap for you, in which case you must send your PB to them, and I don't know what the fee is. You could, or might as well, go to an Authorized Apple Service Provider - they would not charge much more than that

Consider an external DVD burner - they are available in ultracompact formats now so they can easily tuck into your case alongside your Powerbook. I hate to plug a particular dealer, but The Trailing Edge has the following available for $99.99:

QuoteLaCie Slim DVD±RW with LightScribe
8× External USB 2.0 LightScribe Dual-Layer DVD±RW Drive
Perfect for Mobile Users ON SALE!
Model #301230

LaCie Portable DVD+/-RW with LightScribe. Connects to your laptop or desktop's USB 2.0 port (USB 1.1 not recommended for burning, as it will be toooo slooooow).

These are great for mobile users as they are lightweight and pretty durable. They are completely powered by the USB port so there is no bulky AC adapter required.

Brand new with a 2 year warranty, and includes the USB cable and software.

I'm sure there are others, but you see my point.... $100 and you have a much better drive than Apple's so-called SuperDrive that you can keep using after your Macbook has been replaced.

Happy Mac'ing!

Dan

Hi Dan,
I was interested in that one myself but from the NY times reviews I've seen this one isn't Mac compatible..
jm

Give me a shout at purespam @ me.com

I have a combo drive that I have been sitting on for a while. Personally it is definitely easier to get a new external drive. For a do-it-yourself guide you can check out ifixit.com

Good catch JM - you're right, the USB model is not Mac-compatible, but the similar model #301231 (firewire-based) is. That was one example, there are many of these drives that are compatible but this particular one is compact and bus-powered, i.e. no wall wart required, a nicety for travelling users. As DR Al wisely points out - you can also put one of these together yourself if you know which way a screwdriver turns... but these pre-assembled units have warranties, and barely cost more than the separate components.

Good luck with your quest!

Happy Mac'ing

Dan

One more thing... the LaCie drive comes with Toast 8...

Dan