Question : Problem: External USB CD/DVD player

I've worked on a couple of these new mini/micro laptops lately and need to buy a good External CD/DVD player for the times I have to re-install the OS.

I thought about building an OS load to run from an external USB drive, but probably better to be able to use the actual CD and/or DVD supplied by the manufacturer.

I am looking for recommendations about optical drives that you have actually used.

Thanks

Answer : Problem: External USB CD/DVD player

Vic,

I just use a IDE/SATA USB adapter and a standard old IDE or SATA DVD-ROM or DVD-RW drive (always have at least one on hand).  Portability is not an issue since I keep it in the shop.
http://www.directron.com/cbisatau2.html

I have 2 of those adapters and they are mighty handy. You can connect just about any drive with them.