Derek, this is a pretty normal thing to do, and it's a cheaper alternative than a purpose-built external CD drive.  

USB cases are available to take hard drives or CD drives.  Note that they'll also come in two flavors, USB 1.1 and the later, faster 2.0 protocol.  Get USB 2.0 as it's backwards compatible.

Obviously, the case for a CD drive will be slightly different to accommodate the CD disk door.

Make some enquiries at your local store or shop online.

Ian Porter
Computer Guys Inc.
Arrowtown
New Zealand
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The NOSPIN Group
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  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: watcher22 
  Subject: [PCBUILD] external case for an internal drive


  Hello all,
       I was wondering if anyone had heard of buying a external case to put an internal IDE drive in.  Specifically, I am looking to buy an internal DVD writer like a sony and put it in an external case with USB connectivity.  I am looking to get some life and use for a PC and a Mac.  This way, I just have to be sure to load the appropriate software on each machine.  It's cost effective and easy to upgrade.  (mobility is nice too)

  Any ideas?
  Derek Buchanan

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