If I were to get the external DVD drive, could I format and do a fresh install?

I'm a new Mac user and I have a Macbook Pro 15" 2.2Ghz and I'm loving it

I have just one question if I may...

If I were to get the external DVD drive, could I format and do a fresh install?

You won't need an external drive to do a reformat and install.

I do have to ask though, what makes you think you need to do a reformat and fresh install?

Why would you need an external DVD drive... ?

I got it from ebay and just want to format to get rid of the last guy's stuff. The DVD drive rejects the disks, I looked for a replacement but it costs more than the external plus I have to get someone to fit it.

So, can it be done with the external one?

Do you mean an external DVD or external hard drive?

I mean an external DVD drive, like the one you can get for the Macbook Air. I could get a cheaper one but I like the aluminum/silver finish as it would go well with my macbook pro

When you mentioned 'the last guy's stuff' sure indicated it is a hard drive. What would he have left on it if it is a DVD optical drive?