Mac mini DVD burner/drive DEAD...good external replacement?

In the last week, the DVD/CD burner on my Mac Mini has started making
horrible noises, scratching discs, and now no longer reads discs at
all. My system is out-of-warranty, and taking it to Apple to have the
DVD drive replaced would cost an arm and a leg. i figured it would be
easier to buy an exernal drive. But i am not terribly tech saavy, and
i really need some help here.

1. What is the best one to get (for under $100), and why?

2. How do i know that one i am looking at is compatible with Macs?'

My friend told me they're all just as good as each other, because
regardless of the label on it, they're all made by Pioneer and
Panasonic. He told me just to make sure the drive interface is ATA or
IDE. Not every website i'm looking at indicates those details, so i'm
confused. Help! Anyone?? Thanks.

Paul

Paul pisze:
> In the last week, the DVD/CD burner on my Mac Mini has started making
> horrible noises, scratching discs, and now no longer reads discs at
> all. My system is out-of-warranty, and taking it to Apple to have the
> DVD drive replaced would cost an arm and a leg. i figured it would be
> easier to buy an exernal drive. But i am not terribly tech saavy, and
> i really need some help here.
>
> 1. What is the best one to get (for under $100), and why?
>
> 2. How do i know that one i am looking at is compatible with Macs?'
>
> My friend told me they're all just as good as each other, because
> regardless of the label on it, they're all made by Pioneer and
> Panasonic. He told me just to make sure the drive interface is ATA or
> IDE. Not every website i'm looking at indicates those details, so i'm
> confused. Help! Anyone?? Thanks.
>
Generally these drives sucks.
I use standard LG ATA drive in external pocket (conected via fire wire).

I do not prices in other countries.
In Poland such kit is about 70$ for a drive and 120$ for a pocket (it is
usable with any ata drive, also HD).


--
WK - delimiters drives me nervous