Anybody using a DVD to USB case for a laptop drive?

[Gold Metal Flake]

I have a DVD-R/W drive from a dead Compaq F730US (what a rediculously delicate laptop!) that I would like to use with an Acer mini-puter I just bought. I see things like this For using such a drive via USB. I also see similar things for the larger drives. Do they work? Would I be better off just getting an complete external USB DVD-R/W drive?

[lazarus]

1. I've got one

but I don't use it for back up, I just used the device to access two old hard drives. Got a few gigs of music off of them.

Others with more experience and knowledge will carry more weight, but in my opinion, a drive built to be an external should be more durable and long-lasting with all the moving and stuff.

[Gold Metal Flake]

2. This one will be for a desktop.

it's a laptop drive but will be used for a desktop. If it works OK I think I'll give it a try. Maybe save a few bucks over a complete external DVD drive.

[Duer 157099]

3. I have used external cases as well as just an adapter cable

And in my experience, both forms have worked for my purposes--which is just temporary access.