External DVD for a Macbook 3.1 (Late 2007) - how do I find a compatible drive?

[vk3diw]

Hi,
A bit dispirited with my quest...
I have a Late 2007 Macbook running Leopard. I already posted a question on upgrading to Snow Leopard using a DVD, and with some great advice, all was looking good. (I had all the bits I needed ... or thought I had)
<< That post was here >>
BUT..
When I tried it, I realized the external USB-connected DVD Superdrive from my daughter's current model iMac is not seen by the Macbook. It turns out that this Superdrive is only recognised by Apple macs that do not have internal drives like the Mini, Air, etc.
(The internal drive of the Macbook being upgraded is faulty)

So, my question is how do I find a USB connected DVD drive that WILL work with the macbook? Is there any list anywhere of models that will work? The places I am likely to buy it from are not exactly great at helpful information, like MSY or CPL - and I'm close at the cost-boundary of when this exercise becomes silly.

I'd really appreciate any/all advice on how to acquire a DVD drive that will work.

Cheers.

PS: A parallel thought...
I have seen an article that suggests I might be able to create a bootable USB key with the Snow Leopard image on it. . As part of the exercise to create it, I need of course to create an iso image from the Snow Leopard CD. Could I do this on a windows PC?

Thanks...

 

[chas_m]

Let me make life a lot simpler for you -- call Apple and order the $20 Snow Leopard DVD. Unless your time and effort are worth nothing, this will save you a lot of effort and bother.

As for buying a drive that will work with your machine, most any USB-compatible third-party burner (that's not a Blu-Ray) should work fine. Because you're running a system that is so very, very outdated, I can't guarantee it, but for a very long time now nearly all optical disk burners "just work" with Macs using either the USB connector or FireWire if that's what the case they're in uses (as with mine).

I have to point out that upgrading to Snow Leopard, while a very very good idea for that machine, is about all that's worth doing on a machine that old. You'd really be better off with something made this decade.

 

[vk3diw]

Let me make life a lot simpler for you -- call Apple and order the $20 Snow Leopard DVD. Unless your time and effort are worth nothing, this will save you a lot of effort and bother.

As for buying a drive that will work with your machine, most any USB-compatible third-party burner (that's not a Blu-Ray) should work fine. Because you're running a system that is so very, very outdated, I can't guarantee it, but for a very long time now nearly all optical disk burners "just work" with Macs using either the USB connector or FireWire if that's what the case they're in uses (as with mine).

I have to point out that upgrading to Snow Leopard, while a very very good idea for that machine, is about all that's worth doing on a machine that old. You'd really be better off with something made this decade.

chas_m, thanks for the reply. You actually gave me some good info previously as well.
I did buy the Snow Leopard DVD - and that's why I have the problem. The Leopard -> Snow Leopard upgrade is only from a DVD, not an ISO. When I go to Lion, I can use an image.
AND
my internal DVD drive is not working, which is why I need an external one (Apple charges like the legendary wounded bull to get the internal drive fixed)

and yes, I know this macbook is a bit like me, old and past its use-by date, but this just an exercise to have a play at IOS app building. If it works then I'l probably get myself a new Mini or good recent used Macbook Pro - if it doesn't, nothing much lost ....

Thanks again matey,
cheers

 

[Slydude]

Have a look at the drives offered by OWC. I have one of their drives working well with my '08 MacBook Pro. If the options are confusing give them a call. I've only had to call them once or twice but their team seems very knowledgeable.

 

[chas_m]

I may not be correct about this, you'll find out for yourself soon enough -- but my understanding is that a machine that old will probably not run the Xcode version you need for app building, or at least not very well. You are probably looking at getting a new(er) machine, not necessarily the current model but not too terribly far back, in order to pursue that particular aim.