Compatible External DVD/CD Drives for use with MacBook Air

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Compatible External DVD/CD Drives for use with MacBook Air

Hello all,

I'm after buying an external drive and was hoping we could put together a list of compatible drives as I've read on other forums that not all are compatible.

Please no links as they tend to expire but rather just list the make and model of the drives.

Thanks,

Jompet

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.6.6), 13" 4GB 128GB SSD

Posted on Jan 13, 2011 2:17 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Jan 14, 2011 8:48 AM in response to Jompet

Apple sells an external USB optical drive specifically for use with the MBAs. That would be your best option. MBA SuperDrive.

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Answer 2

Jan 14, 2011 2:24 PM in response to Kappy

Kappy wrote:
Apple sells an external USB optical drive specifically for use with the MBAs. That would be your best option. MBA SuperDrive.

Sorry, but that's not correct. I got the white version:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007595%2050001623 &IsNodeId=1&name=LG%20ELECTRONICS

Works perfect.

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Answer 3

Jompet Author

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Jan 16, 2011 3:16 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks but I'm aware of Apple's pricy drive.

This is a thread where people can share links to other known working drives.

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Answer 4

Rhyd

Level 3

800 points

Jan 16, 2011 3:24 PM in response to Jompet

This is a thread on Apple discussion boards. If you want something from somewhere else, then go there. We know that the optical drive that was manufactured to go with the MBA does so.

Message was edited by: Rhyd

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Answer 5

hawleyrw

Level 3

629 points

Jan 16, 2011 9:39 PM in response to Jompet

I know I've tried a couple of Compaq branded external drives (used with their nc4200/nc4400 line of laptops) - they work fine on the MBA. I still opted to buy the Apple drive, just because I knew it would work - and without a separate power adapter.

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Answer 6

Jan 17, 2011 12:55 AM in response to Jompet

Jompet wrote:
Thanks but I'm aware of Apple's pricy drive.

This is a thread where people can share links to other known working drives.

Fry's ... Works or your money back.

http://www.frys.com/product/6406052?site=sr:SEARCH:MAINRSLTPG

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Answer 7

tomtorda

Level 1

5 points

Mar 23, 2011 10:11 PM in response to Jompet

The Samsung SE S084 works fine and costs a lot less.
TomTorda

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Answer 8

slyguy_28

Level 2

187 points

Mar 23, 2011 10:29 PM in response to Kappy

That's what I bought along with iWorks when I bought my MBA. I've used it a lot and it's been fast, silent and reliable. Besides, it was only $79 guys.
Sly

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Answer 9

jgdv

Level 1

0 points

Oct 30, 2011 5:39 PM in response to Jompet

I have had no issues with any third party external DVD drives including Blu Ray burners with Mac Book Air. Maybe because i only buy new stuff? The reverse is true. The Apple DVD superdrive is fussy where it can be used. I have both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The external Mac superdrive DVD only works on my Air. It does not even get recognized by my Pro.

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Answer 10

Nov 25, 2012 2:51 AM in response to Jompet

I'm having a problem with an LG external USB DVD-RW that I know works with our other Macs, even an old eMac. It's a portable USB-powered model but it isn't recognized by my Macbook Air Mid-2011. Doesn't show up in System Profile. Isn't recognized by DVD burning software. LG model GP08NU10.

I know my USB ports work and I know the DVD works.

Is it a question of not getting enough power from the USB port? I've tried both. The DVD's front light comes on and the drive spins up, but that's it.

Any ideas?

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