What's the right replacement for the DVD drive?
I need to buy a replacement optical drive for my powerbook G4 aluminum 12". What's the right one to buy and where can I buy it?
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Sorry iFixit, but I recommend a New, better, and less expensive option
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I ordered the Samsung SE-S084 8x slim drive from Tigerdirect for $50. It installed just by plugging it in and it works perfectly. It's hard to get detailed specs on this package, but I recall reading somewhere that it's compatible with mac OSX 10.4 and above. I have 10.5.8 so no problem. I'm very pleased I went this way instead of trying to replace the internal drive.
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The correct Samsung slim external for use with a MAC is model SE-S084C .
However, on a PowerBook G4 you will not be able to use the drive to install an operating system. Frustrating. Firewire external drives work OK but not USB2.
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Nice point +
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Here is one compatible with your computer.
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$179 for a old used drive?
There's actually a whole lot more with different types, some are new, some are used, just I suggested what would be the best type of drive.
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After reading all the suggestions and looking at the disassembly/reassembly instructions on ifixit, I went a different route. I just ordered a Samsung external USB drive for $45. Not as convenient as an internal drive, but much less expensive and much less work.
Thanks for all the ideas.
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Just make sure it's compatible with your mac. There also could be issues even if it is, I've heard people say external optical drives are too erratic and not reliable, as described as the comment by Ben Eisenman in this question.
