3 best imac external cd drive

An iMac external CD drive is an external optical drive that can be connected to an iMac computer to read, write, and interact with CDs and DVDs. These external CD drives are used to expand the capabilities of an iMac that might not have an internal optical drive or to provide additional functionality, such as reading or writing to different types of optical media.Here are some key points about iMac external CD drives:

  1. External Connectivity: iMac external CD drives connect to the iMac through various interfaces, commonly USB or USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) ports. They may also support other connection types like FireWire or eSATA, although these are less common in modern Macs.

  2. Compatibility: iMac external CD drives are designed to be compatible with Mac OS X and macOS, ensuring seamless integration with Apple computers. They typically work with a wide range of Mac models.

  3. Reading and Writing: These external drives can read and write CDs and DVDs, including audio CDs, data CDs, video DVDs, and more. They can also read and write to various optical disc formats like CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, and DVD-RW, among others.

  4. Media Playback: An external CD drive allows you to play audio CDs and DVDs on your iMac. This is useful for users who still have a collection of physical media they want to enjoy.

  5. Software Support: iMac external CD drives often come with bundled software for tasks like burning data or creating audio CDs. Apple's macOS also includes built-in support for optical media functions.

  6. Portability: These drives are generally compact and portable, making them easy to carry and use with multiple computers. This can be convenient for those who need to use optical discs on the go.

  7. Archiving and Backup: External CD drives can be used for archiving important data on writable CDs or DVDs. Some users prefer this method for long-term data storage or backup.

  8. Replacing Internal Drives: In some cases, users opt for an external CD drive when their iMac's internal optical drive becomes faulty or is not present. This external drive can serve as a replacement for internal functionality.

  9. Multi-Format Support: Some iMac external CD drives are designed to support a wide range of optical disc formats, including Blu-ray, for users who require more advanced disc capabilities.

  10. Cost-Effective: These external drives are often more cost-effective than repairing or upgrading an internal optical drive on an iMac, making them an attractive option for users with specific optical media needs.

In summary, an iMac external CD drive is a useful accessory for iMac users who need to read, write, or interact with CDs and DVDs. They offer compatibility, portability, and versatility for handling various optical disc formats and tasks, making them a practical solution for users who require optical media functionality on their iMac.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best imac external cd drive on the market
  

ROOFULL External CD DVD Drive USB 3.0 Type-C Slim Aluminum Portable DVD/CD ROM +/-RW Optical Drive Burner Writer for MacBook Pro/ Air, iMac, Windows/ Linux/ Mac Laptop Desktop, Silver

ROOFULL

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price
  • 【No Extra Driver Required】Just plug in the USB-A or USB-C port on the motherboard of the computer directly, it will be recognized automatically, then you can watch movies, burn/rip music, install software/games, backup data and more through the corresponding software (such as VLC player, PowerDVD, etc.)
  • 【USB 3.0 and USB-C】Faster USB 3.0 and USB-C adapter make it easier to use this slim CD/DVD drive on most new or old computers. Plug and play, compatible with Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Linux, all versions of Mac OS. Ideal for Apple Macbook Air/ MacBook Pro/ iMac/ Dell/ Hp/ Lenovo/ Sony/ Samsung/ Asus/ Acer and more computers.
  • 【High-Quality Performance】100% durable brand new DVD loader with strong error-correcting, low impedance, and anti-interference ability, bring you a fast and smooth experience. Perfect for CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+/-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD+R DL, VCD discs.
  • 【Slim & Portable】 Ultra-slim design with a smooth aluminum body makes it easier to carry and use this portable CD/DVD drive at any time anywhere, no matter at home, school, in office, or on a trip.
  • 【Worry-free Shopping】5-years of experience in optical drives allow us to have the ability to provide you with premium quality products and professional support services. If you have any questions before or after purchase, please feel free to reach out to us on Amazon or Google, 100% satisfaction guarantee!

Product features

Wide Compatibility

Compatible with most laptops and desktops running Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista, Linux and all versions of MAC OS. Ideal for Apple MacBook Air / MacBook Pro / iMac / Dell / HP / Lenovo / Sony / Samsung / Asus / Acer and more computers

* Do not work with Chromebook, and TV, car, smartphone

Multifunction

It's not only a CD/DVD-Rom, you can also use it to write, rewrite or rip CDs and DVDs through the corresponding software.

* Please make sure your computer has available media software or burning software

Faster USB 3.0

Powered and data transmission by USB 3.0 connector, this optical drive will bring you faster and more smooth experience.

Max Speed: CD-ROM: 24X / CD-R: 24X / CD-RW: 8X / DVD-ROM: 8X / DVD-R: 8X / DVD+R: 8X / DVD-RW: 8X / DVD+RW: 8X / DVD+R DL: 4X / DVD-R DL: 4X / DVD RAM 3X

Plug and Play

No extra driver program is required, just plug it into USB 3.0 or 2.0 port, it will be installed automatically, then you can see this external device and use it to read and write disc through the corresponding software.

Slim and Simple Design

No one wants to equip their thin and light notebooks with a clumsy external optical drive. This premium aluminum optical drive with a smooth surface and ultra-thin design, simple and beautiful, will not bring unnecessary burden to your life.

Universal USB3.0 interface, it's convenient for you to replace a longer or shorter cable.

Excellent Performance Movement

100% brand-new upgraded DVD loader with faster speed, low impedance & anti-interference ability, bring you a faster and more smooth experience.

Please keep your CD/DVD drive flat and ensure your CDs or DVDs inside is securely fixed.

Classic Pop-up Button & Easy to Use

Just press the button on the front panel of the DVD drive and the tray will automatically pop up a distance (about 0.7-2 inches), then you can put in the disc. You can also press the button to stop playback and eject the tray.

Protable

You can put this ultra-thin optical drive in a bag and use it anytime, anywhere, you may not even feel its existence.

Approximate size: 14.2*14.9*1.1 cm (5.59* 5.86* 0.43 inch)

Weight: 0.25 kg (0.55 lb)

Apple USB SuperDrive

Apple

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • The sleek, compact USB SuperDrive.
  • Whether you’re at the office or on the road, you can play and burn both CDs and DVDs with the Apple USB SuperDrive. It’s perfect when you want to watch a DVD movie, install software, create backup discs, and more.
  • Only slightly bigger than a CD case, the Apple USB SuperDrive slips easily into your travel bag when you hit the road and takes up little space on your desk or tray table when you’re working.
  • You’ll never have to worry about lost cables with the Apple USB SuperDrive. It connects to your Mac* with a single USB Type-A cable that’s built into the SuperDrive. There’s no separate power adapter, and it works whether your Mac is plugged in or running on battery power.
  • The Apple USB SuperDrive is compatible with Mac models from 2008 and later that don't have a built-in optical drive.
  • MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models with USB-C ports require a USB-C to USB adapter (sold separately) to use Apple USB SuperDrive
  • Connections: USB-A

User questions & answers

Question: Will this drive play both region 1 and region 2 DVDs
Answer: This drive WILL play both region 1 and region 2 DVDs. You have the option to change which region you would like to play in settings after inserting the DVD.
Question: Will this superdrive burn dual layer dvd's? thank you
Answer: Yes. Here are the tech specs does both +, and - DL disc.Read Speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)Write Speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 6x (DVD±R DL)Rewrite Speed 16x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW)
Question: I have a 2010 mac mini that has a optical drive that is now not functional. according to dealers above, apple sd will not work on this model
Answer: I have an iMac 27-inch, Mid 2010 with a non-functional internal optical drive, and the superdrive works flawlessly.
Question: What is the technical differences between the superdrive md564zm/a and superdrive md564ll/a
Answer: M. Wells,There is no technical difference as it is the same model. The difference in the part number is for the difference in the target country. LL/A designation is for the United States. The ZM/A designation is for China.Regards,

USB 3.0 External 8X DVD RW DL CD Burner Player SuperDrive for Apple Mac Book iMac MacBook Mini 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Laptop & Desktop Computer, Pop-Up Portable Optical Drive, White Plaid

Valley Of The Sun

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description





It doesn't support TV, car player, Chromebook and non-Windows tablet.



【SUPPORTS PLUG AND PLAY FUNCTION】No drive and external power needed. Just plug it into your USB port and the DVD drive will be detected. USB 3.0 DVD drive is a perfect companion for computers without the internal drive.

【Powered by USB 3.0】High speed USB 3.0 external DVD drive with 100% durable brand new DVD loader and low impedance & anti-interference ability, bring you fast and more smooth experience. Backwards compatible with USB 2.0

【HIGH COMPATIBLE SYSTEMS AND DEVICES】 This external drive is well compatible with 98SE / ME / 2003 / XP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Linux, os 8.6 or above system.It is ideal for APPLE / DELL / SONY / SAMSUNG / ASUS / ACER / HP and other brands laptops, ultrabook, PC or desktop that without drive hardware.

It's not only a reader, but also writer / rewriter / burner for your computers. Allow you to watch movies, listen to music, create backup disc, install software or burn music disc. Support CD-R, CD-ROM, CD+/-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-R DL, VCD discs.





Type: 8X DVD Burner

Loading: Tray-Loading

Housing Material: Plastic

Color: White

Net dimensions: 142mm x 18.8mm x 140mm

Net Weight: 290g

Gross Weight: 400g

Warranty: 1 year



Product Specification



Read Speed (max.)

DVD: 8x, CD: 24x br>

Write Speed

DVD-R: 8x, DVD+R: 8x

DVD-R DL: 6x, DVD+R9: 6x

DVD-RW: 6x, DVD+RW: 8x

DVD-RAM: 5x

CD-R: 24x, CD-RW: 16x





  • Supports Plug and Play, easy to use. No drive and external power needed. Just plug it into your USB port and the DVD drive will be detected. Comes with standard with an eject button so that you never have to worry about your disc getting stuck inside this external CD/DVD optical drive.
  • It supports laptop, all-in-one desktop and tower computer, supports all version Mac OS system and Windows OS. Compatible with USB 3.0 and backwards compatible with USB2.0 and USB1.0, bringing you faster data transmission speed (up to a maximum of 5Gbps) and stable performance with strong fault tolerance.
  • White color plaid check pattern design, enough fashionable, skid-proof, dust-proof and scratch-proof exterior. Net weight is 0.64 lbs (290g), 0.74" (18.8mm) in height. This external drive is slim, lightweight, compact and portable.
  • It's not only a reader, but also writer / rewriter / burner for your computers. Allow you to watch movies, listen to music, create backup disc, install software or burn music disc. Support CD-R, CD-ROM, CD+/-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-R DL, VCD discs.
  • We offer one-year after sales service. More than ten years of experience in optical drives allows us to have the ability to provide you with premium quality products and lifetime professional tech support. We cherish your trust, please feel free to contact us.

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