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Matthew Attoe · Apr 28, 2003, 11:28 AM

Hello,

I have a G4/350 AGP running os x 10.2.5 with the stock internal cd/dvd-rom drive. My question is in two parts:

1) I'd like to replace this with a 'superdrive' but don't really know which one to get.

Ive seen the Pioneer 105, heard about a Panasonic one and now there's one by sony which I believe is both DVD-r and DVD+r compatible.

It needs to be a direct replacement for the stock drive I have as i've seen them available as OEM drives which come with no fixings, software etc, and work with toast 5.2 and idvd 3.

Could you also tell me your reasons for recommending your preferred choice.

2) I currently also have an external firewire cd burner. It is branded by Lacie but actually has an LG burner inside the case. This has worked flawlessy since i've had it, so no complaints there.

What I would like to be able to do is to be able to put the cd/dvd-rom drive (which I've made region-free) which is currently in the mac, in to the external firewire case, so that I can still use it as a region-free drive for ripping dvds etc. Will this work.

I realise that I could put the superdrive into the external case, but this then won't work with idvd... or will it.

I hope someone can offer some guidance.

Many thanks

Matthew

fishguy · Apr 28, 2003, 02:42 PM

1) I bought the Pioneer 104, which at the time was the only option to be able to use iDVD. That was my requirement, period. If you go a different route, you had better get solid confirmation that iDVD will work. As far as I know (slightly old info here), its Pioneer or nothing.

If you swap the current internal drive for the superdrive, the OEM is what you want. Otherwise you are paying for parts and packaging that you don't need. It is very easy to swap, there is an article on xlr8yourmac that explains everything in incredible detail. YYou simply unplug the old drive and insert the new drive. Updated drivers are available on pioneer's website. You will then need a copy of iDVD, which unfortunately is bundled as iLife for $50.

2) Yes by all means utilize the cd-rw/dvd-r drive, primarily for burning cds. I've never gone to an external enclosure but there are plenty of resources to offer "how to's". Don't put the superdrive in the enclosure as iDVD will not work.

3) Enjoy it until the new macs come out and you succumb to Apple's marketing pressures!

Matthew Attoe · Apr 28, 2003, 03:36 PM

Thanks for the reply.

Think i'm going to go for the Pioneer 105.

I have now put the original dvd drive into the firewire enclosure. The mac sees it and plays music cd's fine. When I put a dvd disc into it, it mounts up fine, but Apple DVD Play complins that it can't find a dvd drive. Once i put the pioneer into the actual mac, will I then be able to use the (now external) dvd drive as a region-free player, or will Apple dvd player only read play dvd's on the internal drive?

Thanks

Matthew

Matthew Attoe · Apr 29, 2003, 08:46 AM

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

rjenkinson · Apr 29, 2003, 08:50 AM

1. the sony drive is the DRU500-AX. i have one and it works fine in an external firewire case.
2. to watch movies using an external DVD drive, you need to download this patch.

-r.

Matthew Attoe · Apr 30, 2003, 11:34 AM

Thanks, rjenkinson

That did the trick.

Much appreciated.

Matthew

GORDYmac · Apr 30, 2003, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by rjenkinson:
...Sony DRU500-AX...

Is that the Super-SuperDrive? The one that records DVD-R/W and DVD+R/W? If so, are you able to record DVD+R with it? How?

jrramsey · Apr 30, 2003, 05:43 PM

Absolutely the 105/A05. I wouldn't waste too much time with the Sony or other ones that do +R, -R, +RW, -RW, and the kitchen sink. All the reports are that they aren't worth it and the standard seems to be -R & -RW. +R and +RW are still struggling and have on a niche following.

I've used the 04, 05, and Toshiba. The 05 is by far the best. Consistent, fast, and reliable.