External DVD Drives

[krissel]

There are reports of problems with Windows users but that may be a symptom of that OS. Also the bridge version may make a difference as the later ones seem to support large drives but the earlier version need firmware updates. Of course the updates are for Windows.  

This has a compatibility list:

http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/downloads.asp?ID=72

More downloads from Prolific:

http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/Download-2.asp?ID=18

Some reported problems booting from those drives controllers:

http://www.macworld.com/article/46473/2005/08/fwbooting.html

[george]

if i were to stay with these enclosures it is likely there would be troubled waters ahead, can someone recommend a tried and tested enclosure that will support a 750gb or a 1tb HDD
George

[krissel]

From a recent thread:

http://www.techsurvivors.net/forums/index....mp;hl=enclosure

Paddy recommended:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817347017

or with a fan:

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ministack/HD_Enclosure_Kits

[Xairbusdriver]

If you just need a TB capable enclosure (not sure about DVD capabilities) the <OWC miniStack> (also available at a few other places). I know it handles 1TB HHD because that's what I have in it. About to order another for my wife since the cheap one I bought drives us both crazy with its loud fan. Fans are like children, they should be seen but not heard! This enclosure is not the cheapest but it is absolutely silent. I see that they now offer e-SATA options, also.

[Paddy]

Shipping and import duties would be a killer, Jim. George is on the other side of the pond, remember. Also, I've seen quite a few reports that those are very noisy (one guy described it as a "cicada on meth") - if you think they're quiet, then that "cheap" one must be some noisy drive!

All of my external drives are in aluminum enclosures with no fans. Never had any problems with them and they're very quiet.

The Macally enclosure: http://www.macheaven.co.uk/?page=proddetail&prod=28385 - a staggering £54...and that seemed to be the cheapest one I could find of the several dealers I checked.

[Xairbusdriver]

I can't hear mine, even if I turn the cheap one OFF! But I can see the blades turning... Never heard the one(s) in the iMac, either. Only time I hear the iBook is when it starts up from dead cold. Must be a bad batch of fans/blades. If my next one makes any noise, I'm going for a fanless model!

Anyway, there should be a way to avoid those in-necessary charges. Maybe those 'mariners' off the coast of Africa could be convinced to start a shipping line across the 'pond.' Legal and no shots being fired, continuous work, more comfortable working conditions, etc.