I thought my new iMac 27 came with a DVD player

Skinny204 wrote:

Do I have to purchase this separately?

Yes you have to purchase a USB CD/DVD Drive separately.

How much does one cost?

You can buy an Apple branded USB SuperDrive for $79.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD564LL/A/apple-usb-superdrive

Or you can get and use an aftermarket USB CD/DVD Drive like the LG for around $30 to $40.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-8x-external-usb-2-0-double-layer-dvdrw-r-ram-cd-rw-drive-black/5581020.p?skuId=5581020&ref=212&loc=1&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxMrf9bGW7QIVWT6tBh1HjAAkEAQYBCABEgJCH_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Personally I prefer the aftermarket LGs

jeffreythefrog wrote:

obviously, i would recommend the apple USB superdrive.

Sorry I don't, because they are not as reliable as the LG's.

Plus even OWC sells an LG SP60 for $35.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/LG/P60NS50/

Personally I have two LG SP80's that have out lived 3 of the branded SuperDrives.

https://www.target.com/p/lg-portable-external-dvd-rw-drive-black-sp80/-/A-15701034#lnk=sametab

1. 2012 and newer iMac models don't include one.

2. It varies. Check physical and online computer stores which sell to people in your area.

(186642)

obviously, i would recommend the apple USB superdrive. they are pricey, so if you don't want to "buck up" for it you can have a look at Blu-ray and DVD drives at OWC

LOL. i didn't even realize that i was making that point. i just meant thanks for that info and maybe i'll look at 3rd party options when my superdrive dies. and yes i said "when" it dies. any consumer electronics that have mechanical components, no matter the quality, WILL eventually fail. not even apple's products are above that fact.

Your point is well taken. Thank you for reminding me, that most of what we see and deal with here, are just the minority that went belly-up and not the majority like yours that are still in service.

i have used the same superdrive since 2012 without issue, but i will not dispute your claim of unreliability. you have obviously been participating here MUCH longer than me. i'm guessing the unreliability issue has been discussed here before, hence your opinion. :)