[MacMaui]

Aloha,

Looking at the new ibooks. Don't really have a need for DVD ability, just need a good way to back-up files (writing and photos). Given the low end ibook has 32MB of v-ram, I'm tempted.

Which is the better way to go and why?:

1) 800mhz CDROM w/ sub $200 external CDRW.

2) 800mhz CDROM w/ sub $200 externl hard drive.

3) 900mhz w/ Combo Drive.

Thanks for the advice!

[SupahCoolX]

Well, it's sort of a matter of preference.
An external burner (depending on how much you spend), will likely be faster than the one built in on the iBook. An internal burner is more convenient and portable, though.
If you have no problem with an 800Mhz iBook, you could probably find a good deal on the previous combo drive models now and have enough $ left over to get an external hard drive, too.

[suprz's ghost]

i say if you're gonna go portable go all the way!! get the internal combo drive and enjoy!

[xtal]

I think the combo drive model is your best bet. If you don't feel like shelling out the extra money for the new 900, you could do what the previous poster suggested and get the 'old' iBook 800 with the combo drive.

Having the internal burner is certainly convenient, and with the increased prevalence of DVD-R drives, it might be useful to have a drive that reads DVDs to access data and software on DVDs. Just a thought.

[Nawoo]

GO EXTERNAL!

Get an external firewire casing and an internal Samsung 48xCDRW+16x DVD rom

It will only cost about 130 US dollars (Assuming you convert it from 260 Sing Dollars)

I'm using this external set up now with my Ibook g3 700 cdrom.


Not only will you be able to watch dvds, you also be able to burn stuff at 48x speeds and transfer files from cds to hard disk at firewire speeds!
Much better than stressing that crappy combo drive

The Dvd rom will recognize dvds of all regions perfectly well. Using VLC, any movie can be played regardless of region.


In conclusion, spending 300 US dollars more just to get that combo drive and some more hard disk space isint that good a deal.

Just go get the firewire enclosure and Samsung's latest 48x Combo drive. You will love it

[Captain Obvious]

Originally posted by xtal:
it might be useful to have a drive that reads DVDs to access data and software on DVDs. Just a thought.

Exactly. You will need the DVD drive down the road. If not for movies it will be for data.

[MacMaui]

Originally posted by Nawoo:
GO EXTERNAL!

Get an external firewire casing and an internal Samsung 48xCDRW+16x DVD rom

It will only cost about 130 US dollars (Assuming you convert it from 260 Sing Dollars)

I'm using this external set up now with my Ibook g3 700 cdrom.


Not only will you be able to watch dvds, you also be able to burn stuff at 48x speeds and transfer files from cds to hard disk at firewire speeds!
Much better than stressing that crappy combo drive

The Dvd rom will recognize dvds of all regions perfectly well. Using VLC, any movie can be played regardless of region.


In conclusion, spending 300 US dollars more just to get that combo drive and some more hard disk space isint that good a deal.

Just go get the firewire enclosure and Samsung's latest 48x Combo drive. You will love it

Thanks to all for the advice.

It's not so much a financial issue, but moreso I've read so *many* complaints about the ibook's combo drive only being able to burn at 4X and otherwise being unimpressive. $300 seems a lot to spend for a marginal CDRW, especially when that same $300 can get quite a lot on the external drive market. Heck, you can almost get a DVD-R/RW for that price.

Perhaps I'm over worrisome, but I like the idea of CD burning taking place isolated from the rest of the computer's brains.

What's the story on external drives and mac compatibility? Does one risk creating kernal panics because the drive isn't an Apple one, or is that not really an issue? Is it safe to assume that whatever external drives are sold by mac specific resellers are going to be ok dokey?

Besides portablity, is there any advantage provided by the Apple drives vs. aftermarket externals (ie. integration, etc)?

Thanks again!

[jokell82]

I know I'm kinda late on this one, but I'd vote for the internal combo drive. If you're ever on the go and want to burn a CD you'll have to find an outlet for that external (unless you get a bus powered CDRW, which I don't believe are over 24x anyway).

The burning issue you mentioned I think were only problems with certain 16x writing combo drives; the new iBooks have new combo drives that write at 24x...


As for your external drive questions, I don't think that any of them can cause Colonel Panic to show up. But you do have to make sure that the drive is supported by iTunes and Disc Burner so you can use it without shelling out extra dough for Toast.

[Peter]

I would want an internal, then you needn't carry around cables and a huge CDRW case.