Is there an external enclosure for a laptop optical drive?

[gamefreakgcb]

I just bought an IBM X60 and as many of you may know, it does not come with an optical drive, I have a spare samsung DVD-RW for laptops which I bought a while ago. I was wondering if there may be a sort of an external enclosure for this to use it via USB? thanks

 

[Zepper]

If you bought a notebook drive, you may have more difficulty finding an enclosure than if you had bought a slim drive like what is used in many HTPC (and other low-profile) cases these days. Here is one (Mapower) but I'm not sure if it takes a notebook slim drive or a standard slim drive (or really if there is any diff). With this adapter you could use a standard slim drive in any external case that can hold the drive (probably 5.25" external enclosure). You'd just have to rig a front plate to fit.

.bh.

 

[gamefreakgcb]

How is this one?

 

[Zepper]

I have no idea, but I do know that most StarTech stuff is just packaged. IOW StarTech doesn't make anything, they just put their label on it and mark the price way up. So the likelihood is that you could find it for less under its own name. I look on Startech's site because they often have unusual items and then go looking to find the exact same thing under another name for up to 30% less. On Centrix-Intl.com they have them starting under $8.00 up to $18.00. You'll have to add your own AC power adapter if you want. It says it doesn't require one (USB port power) but I like to avoid loading down my USB ports with power-suckers. If I was buying one, I'd go with that and get a power adapter too (centrix also has a 5V @ 500mA wall wart and an adapter kit that allows you to run about any 5V device from it - comes with an assortment of cylindrical power connectors - about $10.) or the Mapower I linked above.

.bh.

 

[gamefreakgcb]

Oh great, my impulses got the best of me, I am leaving saturday and needed something urgently so I ordered the provontage one. Thanks zep.

 

[gamefreakgcb]

hah, it came, snug fit for my Samsung DVD-RW. Works like a charm. Now to install Vista and dual-boot.

Comes with a small pouch, the circuit board, screws, adapter and a pouch. Nice.