One obvious and debated question on a lot of potential buyers' minds: okay, I'm dropping nearly two large on this here machine, but will the external optical drive even work with one of my other laptops and/or desktops? The answer: no. Regular USB simply doesn't support the power draw an optical drive needs, which was evidenced as plugged the SuperDrive into a stock MacBook Pro and it came up bupkis. It wouldn't even let us insert a disk without forcing it down the drive's maw. Of course, it worked just fine on the Air. Seriously though, how many machines do you have that need an external optical drive, anyway?
P.S. -For inquiring minds: yes, the USB port looks identical to your stock port. Apple is obviously just jamming some more amperage down the line.
P.P.S. -No, this won't work with a powered hub.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
LongshotX @ Jan 24th 2008 12:43PM
Can you expect anything less from Apple?
ByrunRoth @ Jan 24th 2008 1:31PM
Not really.
I mean honestly, props for getting a drive out that only uses USB to run (as opposed to an outlet)
But there should be no reason its not compatible with other Macs.
On the other side of the Apple, corperate greed is eating away at the tender rainbow flesh.
And Ryan...
Seriously though, why do you defend all the inane stunts that Apple pulls? Its attitudes like yours which lets corperations like Apple get away with this sort of nickle and diming.
Demand more from the companies you purchase from, and they shall provide. Accept the status quo and you have lost.
OK @ Jan 24th 2008 1:36PM
Of course this is to be expected from Apple. You can get a normal DVD burner that runs off of USB power for $80 or less. Just look around on Google. I have one that runs on every single laptop I have from a single USB port, no other power source, and no drivers.
rtdunham @ Jan 24th 2008 2:06PM
as you say, how many of us have other laptops needing an external optical anyway?
but maybe there's a hidden benefit: could you test that usb port and see if it puts out enough power to drive TWO external hard drives, thru an UN-powered usb hub?
if so, an owner could keep his/her files on an external drive AND back up that drive from the computer.
Rick wilson @ Jan 24th 2008 2:58PM
@OK: You can't find an $80 dvd drive that is powered by a SINGLE USB cable, they all require two ports because DVD burners require 1000mA of power, and USB only provides 500mA.
Only one drive on the market (its also slot load) can be used with one USB cable and can be used with any machine with a single USB port, Mac, PC, you name it.
http://www.slidirect.com/product40-129.html
Nick @ Jan 24th 2008 3:27PM
C-O-R-P-O-R-A-T-I-O-N
JD @ Jan 24th 2008 7:08PM
Yeah, seriously Ryan. You're out of control with being OK with Apple's BS. "Seriously though, how many machines do you have that need an external optical drive, anyway?" Um, how about "I just paid $100 for an external drive (!) on top of my $1800 laptop, so I'd like to use it with other computers."? This isn't rocket science, man. This is Bullshit on Apple's part, so please don't stick the defense in the end of the article.
m4xn00b @ Jan 24th 2008 11:26PM
I like the article. I like how engadget is so "unbiased" againts windows.
I llike how engadget was ripping about Jeff Jones' Vista vulnerability report. And now doesn't give a crap about the major issue that the MacBook Air Superdrive is not compatible with other computers
I'm pretty sure thats how fair journalism works.
/sarcasm
varun @ Jan 25th 2008 12:23AM
Wish they had put a little USB hub on the back ala Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive.
t3h @ Jan 28th 2008 3:17AM
The issue is, for those of you not just wanting to bash Apple for whatever reasons they can find, is that things require power, and a single USB port isn't supposed to, and can't provide that much.
Yes, as many have pointed out, there are external DVD drives out there, but:
1. They require a power brick as well as USB, or
2. They use more than one USB port to get power (the usual two plugs), or
3. They are low power drives, which, are a lot slower, or
3a. They cannot burn when powered from bus power (the one JWTrooper bought specifies "0. BUS POWER SUPPORT ON READING", in the documentation and has an included power adaptor - not the same thing as the MBA's drive, which doesn't have, and doesn't need an external adaptor.).
Of course, in the great rush to bash Apple for anything you can think of, finer details are forgotten, and the argument inevitably degenerates into name-calling and other childishness. Call me whatever you like, vote my comment down to "Lowest Rated" if you want.
minsterkermy @ Feb 22nd 2008 3:51PM
@rick wilson,
actually, your wrong about that. i have a pioneer external 8x dual-layer dvd burner powered by a single usb port.. on everything i've plugged it into, burns just fine. mac, windows, linux..
http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=1825
Sam @ Apr 1st 2008 5:41AM
I just relised something. The new iMacs (like teh one I have) have this enhanced USB ports. Cos you see, the new apple keyboard has 2 USB 2.0 ports on it. It can power two external HDDs... I've tried. Dosnt this mean it should be able to power this little drive too? Just wondering even tho I have no intention of getting one. Be interesting tho. Someone please try it.
Juaquin @ Jan 24th 2008 12:45PM
Shouldn't be too hard to rig a little extra current to one port, if that's your kind of thing. I know the Eee community will find a way.
CcntMnky @ Jan 24th 2008 2:54PM
That's what I was thinking. It's actually really easy: make an adapter cable that splits out the power pins. Then wire up the power pins to an AC-to-DC adapter of the correct voltage. I would probably add a capacitor at the drive side for good measure. That's it.
Marcos @ Jan 24th 2008 7:28PM
Maybe make a special cable that uses 2 usb ports. One for power, the other one for power and data. This way you can pull twice the current and it might be enough for this drive.
Juaquin @ Jan 24th 2008 7:33PM
@ CcntMnky
It would work, but an adapter ruins the whole point. Quite a few people (myself included) have opened up their Eee's and soldered all kinds of things - I'm guessing it would be possible to rig (internally) a circuit that would provide additional Amps to one USB port (with a switch to go back to regular amperage). We'll have to see if anyone's brave enough to try it.
Matt @ Jan 26th 2008 12:30PM
My external laptop hard drive enclosure came with a cable that could be plugged into 2 USB ports for extra power. I wonder if that would work?
EMoShunz @ Jan 24th 2008 12:45PM
will it work if you go through a powered hub?
Ireland @ Jan 24th 2008 12:52PM
Stop looking at me :P
Tony C @ Jan 24th 2008 12:55PM
Ireland: L O L ! =)
AdamY @ Jan 24th 2008 12:59PM
No. Even USB ports use stock USB ports.
You'd need a custom USB port that provided that power requirements of the external SuperDrive.
EMoShunz @ Jan 24th 2008 1:06PM
@Ireland: lmao
i know what you did last summer
>:-(
EMoShunz @ Jan 24th 2008 1:09PM
@AdamY: that.sucks.apple.com
Meltz @ Jan 24th 2008 12:46PM
I for one do. The drive in my MBP is shot, and due to a small dent in the chassis, Apple wont replace it for less than 500bucks. Jerks
JAmerican @ Jan 24th 2008 12:47PM
My PowerBook G4 got a dent in that area and my ComboDrive still works. That sucks. The metal must be thinner on the MBP.
PDubNYC @ Jan 24th 2008 1:25PM
"The metal must be thinner on the MBP"
Or, you have different dings in your laptops. The metal may or may not be thinner, but you can't come close to reaching your conclusion with the info given. Christ the logic on here is down the toilet. Hand in hand with frequent Digg visitors, it seems.....
As for the drive, I am not a big fan of anything that can only be paired with one device. I've got a box full of cell phone adaptors that show how frequently companies do that. And if I am paying $99, I would like some future proofing, or at least additional uses from it.
sinai @ Jan 24th 2008 1:46PM
send a cute girl to the "genius" bar for you. worked for me when the douchebags at the apple store wouldn't replace my ipod, but when my gf at the time went for me, they swapped it no questions asked.
its worth a shot.
DT @ Jan 24th 2008 1:56PM
There are numerous Mac shops online that will sell you a replacement OEM drive for around $200. There are aftermarket drives that are faster and cheaper, too.
mike @ Jan 24th 2008 2:19PM
ifixit.com
The guides are great - you can fix it yourself.
aoeu00 @ Jan 24th 2008 12:47PM
"okay, I'm dropping nearly two large on this here machine,..."
Your problem started here.
Matthew @ Jan 24th 2008 1:43PM
Seriously. i'd rather have much more power, many ports the larger screen, etc in the MBP for $300 more. I can sacrafice the extra 2.2 pounds. Macbook Air is a coumputer from 2011 and the J6P isn't quite ready for it yet.
sinai @ Jan 24th 2008 3:24PM
matt - you obviously haven't carried a laptop around 12-14 hours a day 5 days a week, have you?
Slick @ Jan 24th 2008 10:35PM
@sinai: And you obviously never use your laptop if all you do is carry it around all day. It's a machine with which to do work, not a workout tool.
jemmmr @ Jan 24th 2008 12:50PM
I guess the next question is , can you connect an external usb drive and successfully power it. Since that seems to be a limitation on the macbook, without a y-usb cable and burning a port.
Johnathon Zirkle @ Jan 24th 2008 12:51PM
I'm thinking this will be a future update Apple will introduce into new revisions of their lineup, thus forcing those who want it to go out and buy the new one. Isn't that how it works most of the time with them?
mike @ Jan 24th 2008 12:52PM
Hey. Would this still work if you used it through a USB hub? What about attatched wirelessly (Wireless USB, using an internet router, etc.)?
Superevil @ Jan 24th 2008 12:52PM
And it only costs 500$
Tony C @ Jan 24th 2008 12:58PM
$99 funnyman.
imacmatt09 @ Jan 24th 2008 1:01PM
$99 actually, still expensive. Its a sexy looking drive though.
Tony C @ Jan 24th 2008 1:06PM
Have you priced a USB, slimline, slot-loading, external DVD burner? $99 is a BARGAIN. And this one is ensconced in aluminum and doesn't come with a power brick to double it's weight and volume.
jwtrooper @ Jan 24th 2008 1:15PM
Tony C, I bought a slim slot loading super drive from Newegg over a year ago for I believe $89 and IT RUNS ON USB POWER! http://www.nu-global.com/1_english/3_products/01_ide.php?pID=46
Seems Newegg no longer carries them though.
Tony C @ Jan 24th 2008 1:48PM
Welp, considering that NewEgg wants $70 (plus $5 shipping) just for a bare, internal, slim, slot-load, DVD burner, I'd think that putting it in a nice aluminum case and adding USB connectivity (and again, no brick) for a mere $24/$29 more was a great price point.
sinai @ Jan 24th 2008 2:02PM
idiot.
the point is that its not proprietary, NOT that it's shiny aluminum.
Tony C @ Jan 24th 2008 3:13PM
Riiiight. So the point wouldn't be that the Air's optional optical drive is a higher quality, higher speed, name brand piece of hardware that only costs $10 more than a no-name, generic, external USB optical that's a year old and pretty much only available from its manufacturer for $130 + $10.50 shipping? Or that the generic "NU" drive comes with a 5V power adapter and its user guide says:
To Install and Use the External Slim Drive
-Hardware Installing
1. Connect the USB cord-A series plug to the USB2.0 connector on
your PC, and connect the USB cord-B series plug to the drive USB 2.0
connector.
2. Connect the adapter cable to DC IN power connector on your drive.
3. Connect the adapter power cord to a power outlet.
sinai @ Jan 24th 2008 3:50PM
mac users are simple creatures, quite often mesmerized by shiny aluminum and plastic to the point of throwing money towards companies with full vigor.
Sam Winter @ Jan 24th 2008 5:49PM
@Sinai
And people like yourself are scrawny, pimple-faced ultra-geeks with no appreciation of aesthetics and style, only content as long as your 25lb custom-zombie-painted quad-video card Alienware PC has enough LEDs and glow paint inside to impress that fat chick at the LAN party.
Sam Winter @ Jan 24th 2008 5:49PM
@Sinai
And people like yourself are scrawny, pimple-faced ultra-geeks with no appreciation of aesthetics and style, only content as long as your 25lb custom-zombie-painted quad-video card Alienware PC has enough LEDs and glow paint inside to impress that fat chick at the LAN party.
Abuzar @ Jan 24th 2008 10:22PM
Actually we have cases with much better Style. Ever seen the Cosmos 1000? Also I can't speak for anyone else but I love PCs and I play a few sports regularly. You can't just go around calling us scrawny pimple faced bastard cuz we'll beat you with Cricket bats!
Joachim Bengtsson @ Jan 24th 2008 12:54PM
Maybe the Air just comes with a custom OS X build with drivers for the device? Apple has done that before. (I think one of the G5 towers came with a custom build of 10.4 with features in between of two point releases, for example)
If that's the case, the drive'll work with other computers when 10.5.2 is out. Unless it requires extra power... in that case, it won't work even with a powered hub, no
Andrew Jones @ Jan 24th 2008 12:58PM
Were that the issue, the drive would at least power up and allow you to insert a disc. Wandering outside of the USB spec seems like a bad idea, especially when it involves removing current-limiting resistors...
My guess is that they'll go with draft USB 3.0 just as soon as a draft is available, as the spec there allows for a much higher current draw.