Lightscribe on Mac

I just bought a Macbook but need to burn images onto cd-r's (albums). After searching around it seems the only compatible Lightscribe dvd/cd external burners for Macbooks are the Lacie's. Most of the information I read is over a year old, so does anyone use external drives with Lightscribe other than the Lacie. The Lacie's around $150 while theres many other brands for half that price but do not mention Mac compatibility. Am I forced to buy the Lacie or can I buy a $75 drive, hp or Lite-on for example, and burn it in Windows Parallel?

 

Well, I would be surprised if there was any real problems with compatibility. I never really wanted to try Lightscribe myself, but I can tell you from experience, that Lacie makes a good product.
My friends have had them, and burned well over a thousand dvds on each before they died. And I hear they also handle replacements well.
I would check reviews on Lite-on products. I know they used to be a favorite of mine, but they're gone down hill in the DVD burning market. They may be better now, I'm not sure. But Lacie shouldn't disappoint.

 

what models are you looking at? usually what i do when i need to see if something is compatable with mac is to just google it. try something like "Lite on 'exact product name here' mac" and see what that turns up. but also yes you can use it in windows on your mac.

 

This is from lightscribe.com

Q: Can I install a LightScribe enabled drive in my Mac?
A: LaCie is a Licensee providing a complete hardware and software solution. Also, SmileOnMyMac, an Independent Sofware Vendor, provides Mac compatible Labeling Software. Their contact information can be found in our Products page. Please also see our Downloads section for downloadable software.

Q: What Operating Systems are supported by LightScribe?
A: LightScribe is available on Windows (Vista, XP, 2000), and supports Mac OS X 10.3.9 via the Lacie DVD+/-RW external Double layer drives and DVD +/- internal drives. Linux x86 with kernel 2.6 and RPM is supported through the LaCie Linux Labeler

Apple and lightscribe are pushing the Lacie's as the only lightscribe burner for the Mac osx. If they have some kind of deal, they wouldnt mention the other cheaper brands. The Lacie seems like a good choice but if I can get a similiar one for half price I'd do that. I just dont want to buy a different model and find out that the hardware itself is not compatible with a Mac. I'm new to the whole Mac running Windows thing and I know it'll run windows programs but will it detect hardware and run it?

Tiger direct and newegg.com have the LG, samsung, Lite-on and hp burners that are cheaper and don't system compatibility other than Windows or Vista. Tried googling them, got nothing. Just wondering if anyones using lightscribe on a Mac with something other than a $160 Lacie.