I am looking to buy a laptop , but i still want to burn dvd,s. I have just been looking at a sight where you can buy an "external enclosure" this is where you can take your current dvd writer and place it into this thing and then plug into your laptop via usb 1 or 2. Has anybody used this type of device? If so will a 4x writer still write at 4x via usb. This is new to me but i need space so my main computer must go. Any help appreciated.
The cost for one of these external things is aprox 50 gbp may be worth it if they work ok.

will only work at 2x if you have usb 2 and then only if you are lucky and have a very good system

No it wont.

USB 1.1 has a transfer speed of 12 mb/s

USB 2.0 has 480.

USB 1.1 will burn at 4x.

Maybe he needs USB 4 to burn at 4x?? (That is being sarcastic incidentally).

So 1.1 usb will let be connect my internal a05 (when in caddy) to laptop and then burn at 4x. Does anyone no a site that sells these caddy things in the UK.

Inso - you say usb 2 will not work with an enclosure, can you please advise
why this site that sells them tell me otherwise.
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-145-316&depa=1

It clearly states usb 2 or firewire

Jason, Inso is saying it will work.

usb 1.1 will do the dvd writer bit,but the best speed i have had is 2 speed.as most new laptops are usb 2 capable there will not be a problem.my new pioneer 107 writes a 8 speed on the usb 2 bus on my laptop,as long as the media is good stuff.

Thanks alot for your help guys, i appreciate it.
Steve can you recomend where i can get an enclosure in the uk.