External CDROM without ultrabay?

As I've mentioned elsewhere on this forum, I recently ordered an X60s. I didn't want to spend the money on the ultrabay and an IBM optical drive so I had planned to purchase a cheap USB CDROM for loading software (I don't need a burner, I have one in my desktop PC).

I've been researching which USB CDROM to buy and I've found a number of people who have had problems with this because their notebook can't boot from a USB CD. It seems this is vendor-specific.

Any insight here on doing this with a Thinkpad?

I wanted a really light notebook for travelling and I don't need the CD drive when I'm on the road but I will need it for loading software and maybe down the road for upgrading the OS or whatever which is why I'd like to be able to boot from it.

Thanks.

 

I personally use a case from Centrix Intl with my T42. It has a NEC burner in it. They cost about $20. I have installed Windows with it, but as you have noticed some drives are finnicky. You can put in any 12.7mm height drive in it you want. I would suggest getting some kind of burner for backups. You can of course get the ThinkPad branded external drive, but they are more expensive. Good Luck.