CD drives are essential pieces of computer hardware. CDs are one of the preferred means of physically transferring data from one computer to another, so having a functional CD drive is important to any business computer. You can easily find many options for CD drives online, whether you're looking for external CD drives or CD-DVD drives.

Know the options available from online suppliers that can help you make the right purchase for your business, including:

1. Shop for computer CD drive hardware from distributors selling multiple makes and models and offering customer reviews.
2. Find external CD drives and buy portable hardware accessories.
3. Save money when you buy used or refurbished CD drives.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse for CD drives from suppliers offering a variety of models

If you're not sure of the technical specifications you need in a new CD drive, or want to hear what other business customer have to say about a certain product, look for an online supplier that stocks a number of models and has customer reviews of each product. Read up on each machine so you can make an informed decision before you buy.

I recommend: Shop on NewEgg.com for multiple CD and CD-DVD drives. View full technical specifications and see customer reviews of individual product to get a better idea of pros and cons of each drive before you make a purchase. Easily compare the specs of CD-DVD drives at TigerDirect.com. Look at individual models to see a full listing of customer reviews.

Find suppliers of external CD drives

External CD drives can be hooked up to any computer and don't necessitate a physical installation into the computer itself. If you don't want to take apart your computers to put in new drives or need a portable solution, purchase an external drive.

I recommend: Search the inventory at NexTag.com to find an array of CD drives and CD-DVD drives available from multiple suppliers. Glimpse.com shows you various external CD drive products available from numerous online vendors.

Buy used CD drives online

Computer hardware can be expensive, so if you're looking to save money on your CD drive purchase, look to vendors selling used and refurbished models. Used compact disc drives can offer the same functionality as new drives at a fraction of the price, and many suppliers offer warranties on used models to ensure that you won't end up with a defective drive.

I recommend: PowerSource Online stocks thousands of refurbished computer CD drives from multiple manufacturers. View technical information about each product, as well as details on where the product will be shipped from. Also use their website to sell your own used CD drives. iFixit specializes in parts and products for Macintosh computers. They stock a variety of used and refurbished computer CD-ROM drives. All used drives are tested for functionality and come with a warranty.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most CD drives these days can both read and write information, but there are still some drives sold that are read-only. If your business requires the ability to write information to CDs, be sure you purchase compact disc drives that are able to burn discs.