Thanks for contributing to the discussion; I'll keep your point in mind.

I suppose I shouldn't buy from OWC, because they state flat out that

Originally Posted By: OWC
Apple's DVD Player application only works with an internal optical drive or the Apple's external SuperDrive. To play DVDs with this drive, we recommend the free VLC Player, which can be downloaded from http://www.videolan.org/vlc/.

and that would leave me in a pretty weak position if their drive doesn't work with DVD Player.

Has anybody got any experience with that to add to alternaut's?

The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire