is an external hard drive the same as an external cd/dvd drive?

Question

when you buy an external drive does it come with a cd/dvd drive too (one with a dvd rw) or do you have to buy it separately. i know i probably sound like an idiot. i am wanting an extra drive and cd/dvd rw. i dont have a dvd rw right now. my computer can't be upgraded anymore. its reached its limit. i only have a 37.2 gb hard drive and 512 ram. im running xp. i want an extra drive and an external cd/dvd rw. can i do anything without buying a brand new computer?

Answer 1

Hard drives and cd/dvd drives are two seperate things, internal or external.

Also, you might consider replacing the optical drive you currently have with a DVD+-RW. Internal drives are always cheaper than their external equivalents. Likewise, you may want to simply replace the existing hard drive with a larger one.

Computers can handle up to four drives total between CD, DVD, and hard drives internally without any additional hardware. If your computer doesn't already have 4 total (you only listed one hard drive and alluded to a CD? drive), you can add more.

Finally, if you do decide to get multiple external drives, make sure they also plug into the wall for power. Your USB ports can only handle putting out so much power. The more you use, the less power gets to every device, with a hard drive, this can cause errors.

Answer 2

External hard drives do not come with a CD/DVD, those you will have to buy seperately. Chow

Answer 3

I have an external cd burner/dvd burner together in one.
I have HP invent
i have light scribe in mine which i now think is retarded,
i got mine at bestbuys for like 125
its expensive but it does both jobs in one
dont let anyone say that its impossible and that u have to but it separetly because i didnt. thats right i have both in one yes its possible, u should go to bestbuy.com and search there hope i helped