External Optical Drive for MBP?

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I just got a 15" 2012 MBP, and I removed the optical drive and replaced it with a 750gb hd. The optical drive did work when it was removed, but once placed in the enclosure I got from OWC it wouldn't recognize on any of the 4 macs I own. My DH left me his Super Drive from his MBA, but I am now reading (and experiencing) it not working with a MBP. I need an optical drive but not enough to have one internally while traveling.

Are there external optical drives that work with MBPs? Where would I get one? I'd prefer somewhere other than OWC as they are charging a restocking fee for an enclosure they admit to be defective.

I'm nervous about just randomly buying an external optical drive and hoping for the best.
 
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15" MB Pro, 2.66 i7 ; 11” MBA 1.8GZ i7; 13"MBA 2GZ i7 8 GB mem 512GB SSD, 2 iPad3s, 1 iPad Mini
My Super drive works fine connected to either of my MB Airs or my MB pro.
 

chscag

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If the enclosure was defective, the optical drive would likely not work correctly no matter which computer it was attached to. I don't understand why OWC is charging you a restocking fee, normally they would replace the enclosure with a good one and not even charge you for the shipping. Did you ask them to replace the enclosure? Anyway, the drive should work with any computer provided it's placed in a good enclosure.
 
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I have the OWC enclosure. It is a cheap piece of CRAP!! Very, VERY pool quality. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
 
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2012 MBP 16gb ram, 2.3 i7, 500 gb hd, 750 gb hd
If the enclosure was defective, the optical drive would likely not work correctly no matter which computer it was attached to. I don't understand why OWC is charging you a restocking fee, normally they would replace the enclosure with a good one and not even charge you for the shipping. Did you ask them to replace the enclosure? Anyway, the drive should work with any computer provided it's placed in a good enclosure.

I have to pay return shipping even for a defective return so I didn't want to chance another enclosure from OWC. Between that and the restocking fee, I won't do business with them again.

The Superdrive works on the MBA and Mini but not the MBP. I haven't tried it on the iMac. Apple support told me it is intended for the Retina MBPs and the MBA.

I guess I'm wondering if I can pick an optical drive at random and have it work or if there's some special one I need. I need the second hard drive in the MBP as I use it all of the time. I only need the optical on occasion, but I still need it. This has turned into a heck of a headache.

Thanks for your reply. :)
 
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Log on to OWC's live chat service and speak to a consultant about their poor handling of your complaint. When replaced a HDD had to pay freight to US, however they air mailed exchange back f.o.c.
 

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