Good-quality external superdrive alternatives?

[Acer]

Apple's external Superdrive is, of course, pricey. I've used two $20 LG models with mixed results; one works well, the other is finicky. Is there any middle ground? This is to complement a MacBook Pro retina for a music student, and needs to be robust enough to go off to college without me nearby to troubleshoot.

[clay]

you need to go full size (5.25" desktop drives) for reliable performance. Of course, that also requires an external power cord/brick. I have had good luck with an LG USB one...I think they were running about $30 shipped on eBay recently. OWC has a "value line" model for about $50 maybe? Seems like a decent choice as well, but I haven't used it.

[Ombligo]

The basic OWC for $50 is bulletproof. A solid burner that will be there when needed.

[hal]

Ombligo wrote:
The basic OWC for $50 is bulletproof. A solid burner that will be there when needed.

I rec'd to a friend and it's as solid as it seems. It's just not very portable. Choose robust OR portable - can't have it both ways.

[NewtonMP2100]

.....use the LG...no issues and I like the fact that it has an eject button......