• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Are there any external burners for notebooks that use a SINGLE (non-Y) cable?

NFS4

NFS4

No Lifer
I just ordered a new 13" MacBook Air (4GB model) to replace my 13" MacBook Pro, and I'd like to be able to still use an optical drive in a pinch. I'd like to get one of those Apple SuperDrives, but are there any other portable burners out there that don't require a Y-cable to use two USB ports for power?
 
Go to Newegg and look for one with a wall-wart for power.

As a last resort you can buy either a 5.25" drive enclosure (if any still exist), or one of those IDE / SATA to USB adapter kits for connecting bare drives, that includes a power brick for the drive (the Vantec one I have says it supports 5.25" drives).
 
I was looking for a portable unit with bus power, not a full size unit with a wall wart. Something along the lines of the MacBook Air SuperDrive.

I just can't believe that the Superdrive would be the ONLY portable bus powered unit with a single USB port.
 
There's some but realize the reason that the Superdrive is that way is because Mac is sure that it safely goes out of spec. USB is not designed to output the typical 1.5-1.8A of 5v power needed by a dvd burner, and some lower quality systems without heavy traces may get burned out boards because of the resistance caused by that much current. That kind of load really needs to be spread out.
 
The slim external Samsung DVD writer I have comes with the Y USB cable, but I've never had to plug in the second one (one is full USB, second is missing data lines and is for power only). The reason for it is that some USB ports do not put out the 500mA needed to power the drives.
 
"The reason for it is that some USB ports do not put out the 500mA needed to power the drives."

Especially on notebooks.
 
corkyg said:
"The reason for it is that some USB ports do not put out the 500mA needed to power the drives."

Especially on notebooks.
Click to expand...

Right, but the funny thing is that I've only used it on notebooks, more precisely a Hanspree CULV notebook and an Acer 1551 notebook (AMD Nile platform). Those are 12.1" and 11.6" LCD screen size respectively, and there's no room in the chassis for an optical drive.
 
superdrives are cheap at cowboom dude.

i think i got mine on sale for $39 shipped. don't use them one bit. waste of money.
 
vbuggy said:
The SE-S084 that Zap is probably referring to works with a Crapbook Air. I use'em, as I can hang them off hubs as well - unlike the Superdrives.
Click to expand...

There is a way to make the SuperDrive work with any USB port, but you have to tear it open and replace the USB board. You can get a replacement one for about $12 IIRC. But yea, why bother with it when there are perfectly good, and in some areas, better replacements.
 
but they don't look as good and/or match.

can you recommend a single usb wire blu-ray burner? that might be useful with bootcamp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top