External CD re-writable drive?

[kina]

So, my expensive "media ready" computer that is JUST past the warranty date has decided that it won't open the cd/dvd drive.

It. Just. Won't. Open.

I need my cd drive, obviously to upload cd's (and I just got 4 in!) but also to record my sets and my edits. I have a 2 week break before classes start, some performances to prepare for and need to have my music available. Not only do record for myself, my students get a copy of the music we are using (in exchange for a blank cd).

That having been said, I want to go out and buy an external cd/dvd drive, and use a usb hookup. Even if I manage to take my 'puter in to get it fixed, I can still use, so the expense is tax deductible etc.

Now, I know what I want, but I don'thave the techie terms for it and don't want to be treated like an idiot by the peeps at the computer store and want the possible one for the least amount of $$$$ that I can get.

Any reccomendations?

TIA!!!

[kina]

**chirping crickets **

anyone?

[tamrahennatx]

LOL, you already have the right terminology, no one will laugh at you. I recently bought an external CD/DVD R/W drive from Fry's, and nobody laughed at me (at least not to my face).

BTW, the one I bought works great, I'm so glad I did it!

[danidance]

I bought one ages ago and loved it. I ordered it online from Office Depot or Staples. I bought an IOMEGA and it worked great.

By the way, I just bought a 120Gig external drive the size of a wallet that I've got my machines all backed up onto. It's amazing how much capacity you can get these days! Basically I can fit my entire computer into my smallish purse with that drive. Yay! I love technology.