Is there a replacement optical drive for the Mac Mini

[lokiju]

I'm looking at getting the base model Mac Mini but want to have the functions of the "superdrive" without paying another $200 for something that I should be able to upgrade myself for $50 tops.

Is there a popular drive out there that is the same form factor, slot loading and will just pop in place to replace the combo drive?

I know Newegg used to have one but they don't carry it anymore and it seems this is hard to come by.

The best I can find is this drive but if find it odd that none of the major electronic sellers carry it, such as Newegg.

 

[JzL]

I know its kind of going back on the point of having the mini in the first place but you could always just get an external 5.25 drive. Of course its the same size as your mini.

 

[Injury]

Your best bet might be to pick one up off of ebay or something.

Apple is a bit notorious for making parts difficult to replace. (But not impossible.)

 

[aphex]

Got mine for my mini from these guys a few years back; very happy with them.

All of these should work fine, but my favorite is the DVR-K05PD as it was the most reliable for me.

Panasonic UJ-845 ($54) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=5129
Panasonic UJ-846 ($59) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=4153
Pioneer DVR-K05PD ($79) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=2510

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: aphex
Got mine for my mini from these guys a few years back; very happy with them.

All of these should work fine, but my favorite is the DVR-K05PD as it was the most reliable for me.

Panasonic UJ-845 ($54) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=5129
Panasonic UJ-846 ($59) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=4153
Panasonc DVR-K05PD ($79) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=2510

The DVR-K05PD is actually a Pioneer right?

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: lokiju

Originally posted by: aphex
Got mine for my mini from these guys a few years back; very happy with them.

All of these should work fine, but my favorite is the DVR-K05PD as it was the most reliable for me.

Panasonic UJ-845 ($54) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=5129
Panasonic UJ-846 ($59) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=4153
Panasonc DVR-K05PD ($79) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=2510

The DVR-K05PD is actually a Pioneer right?

Yes, my bad I'm off this morning, i actually tried to edit your post instead of mine, lol

 

[Kaido]

I have a Pioneer DVR-K06 that works pretty well.

 

[SKC]

Originally posted by: aphex
Got mine for my mini from these guys a few years back; very happy with them.

All of these should work fine, but my favorite is the DVR-K05PD as it was the most reliable for me.

Panasonic UJ-845 ($54) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=5129
Panasonic UJ-846 ($59) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=4153
Pioneer DVR-K05PD ($79) - http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=2510

Does anyone have info on whether or not these drives can be used in a macbook (original core duo)? I have no idea how picky they are with their drives, but these prices are half (or less) of what other retailers are charging for macbook specific drives.. thanks in advance.