How to *physically* attach a DVD drive to a laptop/Chromebook?

[ERD50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by youbet That would be my route too. Find a decent Windows laptop with DVD on sale or used, load Linux, configure operation to be similar to what DW does today, and there ya go........ And really, while OP doesn't like Windows, he won't be using it. As long as DW can watch DVD's, check email and surf (all of which Windows seems to do fine AFAIK), why bother going to Linux on her little utility machine? ...

Yes, but I think she'd be fine with Linux, it should do everything she wants after I set it up for her needs. The reason she would not want Windows is that I do all the computer maintenance, debug and set up. And I don't like (or know much about how to maintain at this point) Windows, and have no desire to learn it, so that means she'd be responsible for that. She wouldn't like that.

If Windows were the only solution, it would be different, but I think the non-Windows options will work, I just gotta pick one.

-ERD50

[samm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by target2019 https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/l...th-disc-drives Best laptops with CD drives in 2020. Innernet knows everything.

Thank you for this!

[harllee]

I had the same problem --my old MacBook Pro was getting buggy and slow on the internet but I liked to use the built in DVD player occasionally. I got a new MacBook and of course it does not have a DVD player (but it is a lot lighter and thinner). I kept the old MacBook and still use it to play DVDs (don't need internet connection for that). Of course this would mean your wife would have to change from one laptop to the other when watching DVDs.

[Freedom56]

External USB drives are your only option but if you don't want to lug it around just connect the DVD drive to your router (most routers support external storage) and share it on your local network. You can also share a DVD drive on another PC in your home network.

[Animorph]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freedom56 External USB drives are your only option but if you don't want to lug it around just connect the DVD drive to your router (most routers support external storage) and share it on your local network. You can also share a DVD drive on another PC in your home network.

That's what I would try.

[Sunset]

Seems like there is a portable drive on sale for $16

https://slickdeals.net/f/14627350-de...?src=frontpage

[jim584672]

Why would someone need to physically attach a DVD drive? Just get a USB drive and use it when needed. The only time you need it is for a new program or a DVD rip.

[target2019]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunset Seems like there is a portable drive on sale for $16 https://slickdeals.net/f/14627350-de...?src=frontpage

The shortness of the USB cable on any particular portable drive means the attachment possibilities are limited by cable length. That slim Dell drive says it has 24 inch cable, which would be plenty long. OTH my portable has just 8 inches of stiffer cable (USB 3.0) and that might not work well, depending on where the USB port may be.

Note that DW316 drive is just USB 2.0 and does not play BluRay.

[ERD50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim584672 Why would someone need to physically attach a DVD drive? Just get a USB drive and use it when needed. ....

It's just a (relatively small ) matter of convenience. It's is (slightly) easier to to set/move a laptop with an internal DVD somewhere, than to set/move a laptop that has an external DVD at the end of a cable flopping around. No worries that the DVD slides off and pulls on the cable and pulls the laptop down or stresses/damages the cable (or worse, the USB connector in the laptop).

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim584672 ... The only time you need it is for a new program or a DVD rip.

Not true. From my OP:

Quote:

(*) And don't say "DVDs?" Many of the series she watches are not available streaming on Netflix, so a DVD player is a must. She streams other stuff, so it's not a "stuck in the 1990's thing".

Sure, we could rip them first, but that's an extra step. It's not the end of the world, but a built in/attached DVD is just the best one-step, no change to her routine required, solution.

Will probably go the Linux on a Windows computer when hers dies, we will see.

-ERD50

[Jerry1]

I’m still with Velcro strips. Who cares what it looks like. DW is not likely to care and with a little trial and error, you should be able to find a good spot for it. Best thing is that you can get any type of computer you want (Apple, Chromebook, . . .). Good luck.

[easysurfer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERD50 ... Will probably go the Linux on a Windows computer when hers dies, we will see. -ERD50

Sounds like you answered your own question.

As for classy, having a Mac with external DVD vs and old Win laptop with built in external, that's in the eye of the beholder. You could always as what she prefers and go from there. That way you are off the hook if she doesn't like the decision.