A:Answer A. Unlike desktops, laptops have absolutely NO spare room inside (OK, maybe 1/8" here and there), so if a laptop comes without an optical drive, you have a 99% chance that it will NOT accept the addition. This is true across all brand names, both old and new models, and all price points. Even Framework laptops, which are famous for their customization, upgrade, and repair capacity, won't accommodate one.
So if you must have an optical drive, your reasonable options are to 1) search for used/refurbished models, 2) look at one of the few new models (usually larger, budget-friendly, or business-oriented machines), 3) get an external, portable drive. Of course, if money is no object, I am sure you can find a technician who will build one for you from the ground up with both an optical drive (or even two) plus the newest technology.
B. As to the second part of your question: a quick search showed that you can upgrade the RAH and SSD to at least 64 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD.
