Convert internal DVD+/-RW to an external one

[saj4u]

Hi,

I recently bought an Internal DVD +/- RW (I/O Magic) for my laptop. Is it possible to install it there? i am assuming no. So is it possible to maybe convert this into an external writer which can then be attached to the laptop.

Would an enclosure work? How much would it cost, and what should I look for while buying one..

I am very new to DVDs/DVD writers so really have no clue as to how to proceed. Any help on this matter would be most welcome.

Thanks!

 

[saj4u]

I forgot to add, my current laptop is a Compaq Presario 2100.. I've been looking into Firewire/USB 2.0 combos, how do i know if my laptop supports Firewire? I know it has a USB port 1.0

 

[mcveigh]

get this one from newegg

 

[saj4u]

hey, thanks for the info! btw, what about an enclosure with Firewire enabled? How do I lknow if my laptop supports Firewire or not ? Isn't Firewire faster, (if I can use it on my laptop, that is)
Thanks🙂

 

[Paperlantern]

Firewire is not faster than USB 2.0, however, SOME benchmarks that a few have done have shown that firewire performs better with large file transfers (like 1 GB) but its a difference of like 15 - 20 seconds, no biggie, one i was citing was here: http://www.digit-life.com/articles/usb20vsfirewire/

but the speeds are so similar, and USB is more widespread then firewire, id go with the USB, since you can use that drive on ANY computer with USB, 2.0, or 1.1, whereas most slightly older desktops and what have you, do not have firewire, id lean USB. Especially since that guy was prolly a firewire fan and didnt do the test backwards like this guy
http://thetechzone.com/display.php?i=227&p=1

BIG difference going the opposite way

hope this helps =)