I have about HALF the components for my 1st build.
 A lot of people are telling me optical drives are becoming less and less necessary.
 That kind of confuses me because how else would I install CD software that I BUY and play games? I understand a lot can be purchased/downloaded online.

 So after looking optical drives I see there are now Blu Ray" and "Blu Ray burners". I assume these are also optical drives? Are these drives that will also play Blu Ray DVDs? I also saw something about using a "Blu Ray" disc to use to copy/store files? And I read something about BDXL that can store upwards of 128gb PER disc? They are not cheap. And it might be cheaper to purchase just an Ext. HD, but I also like the THOUGHT of knowing everything is backed up on discs...
 '1: Can a Blu Ray drive also be used as a basic optical drive?
 2: Does a Blu Rau burners drive differ from a Blu Ray drive by lets you burn/copy files from your PC onto a disc?
 3: Is external or internal the better choice? Or does it not matter?
 4: Any rec. brands/models? I've read a lot of positive thinks about LG Blu Ray burners w/BDXL. Same with Pionner/Panasonic.
 5: When choosing a Blu Ray drive I assume I want to look speeds of writing/burning?


 Thanks everyone for helping answer all these ?'s for me over the last week. I have learned a lot from all of you.

 Cheers
 -Michael MN 1) Yes.
2) The burner lets you burn Blu-Rays...and all other formats.
3) I prefer internal.
4) LG is fine...i've had good luck with them.
5) You can...sure.