I broke my computer CD drive can i buy a new one that uses USB for cheap? I dont...

[Tom T]

...want to buy the wrong one.? I dont want to spend much money on a new one I just was something cheap that'll last me till I leave Iraq.
Is there one that will plug right into USB and it a decent price? I'm not looking for performance rather something that will last till this deployment is over.

[JASONGW]

I am a computer idiot but managed to fit a new cd drive is a very simple process. Have a go yourself but remember you will lose any warranty if you open the computer. They are about 15 GBP.

[snoop1990]

Originally Posted by Tom T

...want to buy the wrong one.? I dont want to spend much money on a new one

If you use a notebook or a special sized computer like the apple cube, imac or mac mini which do not use regular cd-drives I recommend the USB one. Otherwise a internal CD-Drive is the cheaper solution. What you need is a IDE Cd-Drive (I think or are you using SCSI, that is not the standard). Those IDE Cd-Drives are really cheap (look for 52x)!

[naives]

I think there are IDE to USB converters for HDD. So we can make the HDD portable. May be there will be IDE to USB converters for CD drives will also be available. Or the one for the HDD will suite it because there is much of difference to IDE HDD and CDD. So go for it.

[snoop1990]

Originally Posted by naives

May be there will be IDE to USB converters for CD drives will also be available. Or the one for the HDD will suite it because there is much of difference to IDE HDD and CDD. So go for it.

That fits ! I tested it myself some month ago, cause I want to have a DVD-RW connected to my Mac mini (build in DVD / CD-RW) .

[vazabisong]

If you use a notebook or a special sized computer like the apple cube, imac or mac mini which do not use regular cd-drives I recommend the USB one. Otherwise a internal CD-Drive is the cheaper solution. What you need is a IDE Cd-Drive (I think or are you using SCSI, that is not the standard). Those IDE Cd-Drives are really cheap (look for 52x)!

[addit420]

Personally, I'd say opt for a CD drive which is not USB, i.e., IDE. Better in terms of speed etc. Also, they come cheap now a days. A CD reader will set you back by a maximum of 25$. In India, we get it for 1500 Rs. only! If you want a CD writer, you will get it for around 2250 INR.