There are several brands of external DVD drives available. These include Acer, Addonics Technologies, Alera Technologies, Aluratek, AOpen, Apple, Apricorn, Asus, BenQ America Corp, Buffalo Technology, Cendyne, Creative, Delkin Devices, Dell, Digital Peripheral Solutions, Dynex, ENlight Corp, Fujitsu, Hitachi, HP, I/OMagic, IBM, Ikebana, Imation, Intel Corp, Iomega, JVC, Kanguru, LaCie, Lenovo (26), LG Electronics, Lite-On IT, Mad Dog Multimedia, Micro Advantage Inc, Microboards Technology, MicroNet Technology, MicroSolutions, Motion Computing, NEC, Norazza, Olympus America, Pacific Digital, Panasonic, PDE Technology, Philips, Pioneer, Plextor, Primera, Rimage, Samsung, SilverStone, Sony, StarTech, Sun Microsystems, Super Micro Computer, Targus, TDK, TEAC, Toshiba,Total Micro Technologies, Universal BUSlink,Velocity Micro, Verbatim, Vinpower Digital, and XlntIdea.

Keep in mind that although many of these drives are branded with a different name, this does not necessarily mean that they are not made by the same manufacturer. Manufacturers routinely produce drives for companies and box them with whatever label they choose. As a result, you might buy two different drives from different companies, but the drive is exactly the same. With a little research, you can get the exact same drive as a top name drive at a bargain price.

Overview For most users there is little difference in DVD drives. What you really need is a good reliable drive at a decent price. Several online vendors or big box stores offer a good selection of top external dvd drive models. Several online electronics retailers will offer a wide selection of drives as well as reviews on particular drives. When reading reviews, don't disqualify a product just because of one bad review. Sometimes a particular drive will not work well with a certain machine.