5 Recommended External Drives for Your MacBook Air

Just bought a brand new MacBook Air but don't know what to do with your old CDs, CD-ROMS, and DVDs? Don't think about sticking them to your laptop, simply because the MacBook Air doesn't have an optical drive. Don't know what to do next? Calm down and check out these five external optical drives you can plug right in and hear that long-lost whirring sound once again. Forget the Blu-ray or Thunderbolt because those are out of the topic for now. Below are just straightforward USB 2.0 based drives that can be used for disc jockeying, burning and ripping, and installing software.

So, without further ado, let's give it a whir!

Apple SuperDrive

Probably the optical drive that the Apple boss, Steve Jobs himself, used. You must really love Apple product if you still want to buy this one at a price that's pretty hard to be justified. The slot-loading drive measures .47 x 5.47 x 0.67 and measures 0.74 pounds. You can take it anywhere -- only slightly bigger than a CD case, the Apple USB SuperDrive slips easily into your travel bag when you hit the road and takes up little space on your desk or tray table when you're working. This aluminum-plated drive costs around $79.

Samsung Portable Optical Disc Drive

Aside from its eye-candy colors, the Samsung portable optical disc drive features a sleek, rounded design with a curved surface and a metallic center line. With a variety of vibrant colors to choose from -- black, blue, pink, red, silver, white, and yellow, this optical drive is also a winner of the 2010 if product design award. This slot-loading drive measures 6.2 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches and weighs 0.93 pounds. It costs $49.99.

Targus DVD-ROM External USB 2.0 Drive

With the Targus DVD-ROM External USB 2.0 Drive, you can easily watch movies, listen to music, or view pictures right from your new MacBook Air. The ergonomic, toploading design is easy to use while the clearly marked buttons make it simple to operate. To operate, simply connect to a USB port and the drive is all ready to go; no additional power source needed. The USB cable conveniently attaches and stores under the device, making it a sleek and slim form factor for travel. The price of the Targus external drive is $59.99, with top-loading optical drive measures at 9.2 x 7.8 x 2.1 inches and weighs 0.75 pounds.

ASUS Slim SDRW-08D2S-U

Into diamonds? You'll surely love with ASUS' slick and glossy optical drive -- the Slim SDRW-08D2S-U because of its diamond-cut design. The lattice-like appearance of the drive is inspired by diamonds, making the product unique from every angle. Burn disc with enhanced data protection in just 3 quick steps and intuitive Disc Encryption lets you do this easily. Tray-loading drive measures 5.59 x 6.18 x 0.83 inches, and weighs 0.69 pounds. This gorgeous external drive costs $59.99.

Toshiba Portable SuperMulti Drive

Watch movies, load software and back-up files can’t be easier with the Toshiba Portable DVD SuperMulti Drive. Weighs at only 12 ounces and powered directly from your computer, the drive offers easy portability to burn and play CDs and DVDs anywhere, anytime. Its small, lightweight and cutting-edge design is perfect for your cool MacBook Air. Simply plug in the USB port of your PC and play - there’s no need for an extra power supply. Measures 5.7 x 79 x 5.8 inches, but wicked-light at 0.213 pounds. This SuperMulti drive costs a whopping $99.99.

Which one is your pick? Please feel free to add more on the comments section below.