I have an 2009 iMac, and it's working fine...except the Superdrive is burning DVDs with lots of errors; maybe it's time to get a new external burner.
I checked out units from OWC, but I wanted to look at the Apple Superdrive, too. Is it true that the 2009 iMac won't work with an external Superdrive. I've received conflicting information on this, and I wanted to confirm (or refute) it.
Thanks!
iMac (24-inch Early 2009), iOS 7.0.3
with lots of errors;
Care to share what those errors stated?
I wanted to look at the Apple Superdrive, too.
Your iMac is not compatible. Read Apple's drive system requirements.
Is it true that the 2009 iMac won't work with an external Superdrive.
False.
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Another help source (if you haven't already done so).
Go to your OS Help Menu. In the search field type dvd
Click on all the troubleshooting topics & Support Articles that pertain to your issue.
You can also do the same in Disk Utility. Open same up.
At the bottom left of the window, click on the purple button w/the "?" in the middle.
This will bring up the Help Menu.
===============
Try a different brand. Top forum favorites
CDs
FUJI
TDK
Verbatim
DVDs
Maxell
Verbatim
==============
Apple's Disc Burning Quick Assist
Make sure the DVDs are not dirty, smudged and/or scratched.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2000Mac doesn't start up from install disc
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2801Apple Computers: Troubleshooting the slot-loading SuperDrive
*** Your drive may need cleaning. Cleaning kits can be purchased from any store that sells CD/DVDs. ***
If you look at the Apple USB SuperDrive System Requirement real close:
Plus why would you buy another Superdrive, when most any more reliable tray or slot loading DVD Drive cost less.
I really like my > LG Electronics GE24LU20 - Best Buy it's way faster, more relable than any Superdrive and works great with my iMac and Mac Mini.
The new exrenal USB Superdrive will plug into your mac snd work fine. The new 2013 iMacs do not have a Superdrive and use the USB Superdrive.They are under $100.00
Care to share what those errors stated?
I'm happy to share.
Before all burns, there’s a low-pitched “grind”; this happened rarely when the Superdisk was new; now, it happens every time.
In addition, some DVDs I've used before (like Taiyo-Yuden) are now rejected.
Verbatim DVD-R’s end up with this error:
“Sense Key = MEDIUM ERROR
Sense Code = 0x0C
WRITE ERROR"
Moreover, when I used the same Verbatim DVD-Rs on my MacBook Pro, they burned fine. I use Toast Titanium.
Otherwise, the iMac’s Superdrive works fine:
Imports, encodes, burns all personal and commercial CD tracks ++++
Plays all DVDs ++++
Plays all CDs ++++
Thanks for your help, everyone!
poikkeus1 wrote:
… I wanted to look at the Apple Superdrive, too. Is it true that the 2009 iMac won't work with an external Superdrive. I've received conflicting information on this, and I wanted to confirm (or refute) it.
To avoid all confusion, your iMac doesn't meet the requirements for the USB SuperDrive.
It is not true, kind of, that your 2009 won't work with the Apple Superdrive. It is True that the Apple Superdrive will NOT work with any Mac that originally came with a built in DVD drive.
Cut to the chase, buy any other brand external DVD drive that connects by USB port and it Will Work with your Mac computer. Most cost around $30.
poikkeus1 wrote:
I have an 2009 iMac, and it's working fine...except the Superdrive is burning DVDs with lots of errors; maybe it's time to get a new external burner.
I checked out units from OWC, but I wanted to look at the Apple Superdrive, too. Is it true that the 2009 iMac won't work with an external Superdrive. I've received conflicting information on this, and I wanted to confirm (or refute) it.
Thanks!
I'm going to follow the instructions of forum members.
1. As I have a 2009 iMac, I will not purchase an Apple Superdrive - if it comes to that. Several cheaper and possibly better options are available, including several from OWC.
2. Information from Toast errors have indicated that DVD mastering is currently not possible. I'm ordering a new spindle of Sony DVD-Rs, and they've always worked for me.If still no go - it's time to get an external DVD.
3. I've cleaned my Superdrive with compressed air and a DVD cleaner. No luck.
4. I've deleted the Roxio plist file - no luck.
5. Still no information why there's no problem burning CDs or playing DVDs; but burning DVDs doesn't seem possible right now.
Good computing and burning.
There's always a new twist.
I was pricing out new external combo drives vs repairs to my iMac's Superdrive, and came up with prices of around $50 (for externals) and around $250 (for replacement and repair). Then, I got a new bunch of Sony DVD-R blanks - which have always worked for me. Let's try them out.
And guess what? The Sony DVD-R burned successfully! It looks like the problem is solved (so long as I use Sony for my iMac); I'll continue using Verbatim with my MacBook Pro. I don't know why a Superdrive will recognize one disk and reject another, but as long as everything's fixed, I'm not worrying.
Thanks for the additional feedback.
Look here. They have gone up slightly since I biought the one I use.
Dead burner - what to do?
