[derekw]

I really want a light MacBook Pro. Can I remove the internal DVD drive to reduce the weight, then put the internal DVD drive into a USB enclosure and use it as an external drive?

1. If you have done this, how did you like it?
2. Would the MacBook Pro function normally without the internal DVD drive?
3. Any recommendation on enclosure type that works with MacBook Pro's internal DVD drive? (Do they even exist?)
4. Would the resulting external DVD drive boot up the MacBook Pro?

[Simon]

Yes, in principle you can do this. There are products on the market (google). The solutions aren't cheap though and you should be aware you won't feel a big difference. The empty optical drive is pretty light (roughly 200g or less than half a lb). In any event you'll want to keep all the original parts and have a good idea how to get it all back together. Otherwise in case of any issues, Apple will consider the warranty voided.

[zero1207]

Something else you might consider. While the optical drive isn't very heavy, it helps stabilize the notebook when open. When I've removed the optical drives on pre-unibody macbooks and macbook pros, it makes the screen heavier than the base of the computer, so when the screen is open and tilted at a slightly obtuse angle the laptop falls backwards because of the weight of the screen. Just something to think about. I don't know how it would affect the weight distribution in the unibodies as I haven't taken them apart.

[mduell]

Also it throws off the balance of the laptop.

2. Yes.
3. They probably exist, but will be hard to find since it's a thinner than normal drive (9.5mm instead of 12.5mm) and slot loading (so the enclosure needs a front bezel).
4. Sure.

I'd suggest not bothering.

[CharlesS]

That used to be possible with the old Pismo PowerBooks... back then, Apple even included a hollow chunk of plastic called "PowerBook Weight-Saving Device" with the machine that you could stick into the whole where the optical drive went.

Today, though, it'd be kind of a PITA to do this.