Macbook Air + external optical drive?

I am in the process of getting an external optical drive for my Air. I would like to get one of the portable ones but have been warned that you need a USB port that provides enough power or use both USB ports (but they are on either side of the Air!)

How much power do I need (is it an industry standard amount?), and is it likely that the Air's USB ports are up to the job?

I have the latest 13" release of the Air.

If you purchase the external optical drive from Apple that is designed for the Air, you won't have to worry if there is enough USB power. You might also take a look at some external drives sold by Other World Computing. They have an 800 number you can call and get advice on which one to buy.