Does anyone have one of the new-model Mac Minis? [View all]

[jmowreader]

My laptop recently died--logic board went out, and replacing it is about the same price as buying a different computer. After evaluating the way I use the thing, I think it would be best to go with a Mac Mini--cheaper than a laptop and more powerful.

The current-issue Mac Mini doesn't have an optical drive. Would I be better off with the MacBook Air drive, which Apple offers as an optional-purchase item on the Apple Store site, or a third-party drive like the LG? (Note: if I can't boot the machine off the drive it's no good to me.)