Apple Macbook Air SuperDrive (MB397G/A)
by Apple Computer
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Apple Macbook Air SuperDrive (MB397G/A)
Customer Review: Not simply bad because of consumers' high expectations
Summary: 2 Stars
Apple products usually bring such high expectations (along with inflated prices) that it's not unusual to see a lot of carping by consumers with little left but the possibility of disillusionment should the latest Apple wonder prove to be something less than sliced bread. I'm so attached to my Mac Air that at first I was inclined to see the Superdrive add-on as a convenient and clever, reasonably priced add-on. It's only now that it's dawned on me: I've wasted a couple of hundred on an Apple "lemon"--two of them. When the first one refused to eject discs--except after employing every trick in the book (the object is to fool the mechanism into not doing a perpetual reset)--I chalked it up to an exception; after the second one immediately began to behave the same way, I now see that this item from Apple is neither exceptional nor an exception: it's a miserable, frustrating, ineffective, time-wasting design that would be too expensive at any price.
Once the CD or DVD is jammed, there's no mechanical way of ejecting it--not even a pin-hole. Unlike the Superdrive in my iMac, this one will not play or create an MP3 disc. The oh-so-chic style left me scratching my head trying to determine which was the top side and which the bottom. The thing spins around so noisily that it sounds like it's dying an agonizing death each time it's used (which was very infrequent).
In short, I finally wised up and cut my losses at a couple hundred; I then ordered the most popular add-on CD burner on Amazon--the Samsung, at less than half the price. It works several times better.
Customer Review: Not unique, but very nice design at a good price
Summary: 4 Stars
Quote: "But if you want to install Boot Camp or play DVDs, it's pretty much the only game in town right now."
Actually, pretty much any external portable DVD drive should work with the MacBook Air.
I have an external Targus DVD drive and a no-name brand; both work with the Airbook.
Most external, portable DVD drives have two USB cables, one for data and power, the second for extra power alone. The reason is that USB is limited to 2.5 Watts, but DVD drives tend to use more than that (same is true for most external 2.5" hard drives). Apple is boosting the power in its USB port by providing extra amps; this is why the MacBook Air SuperDrive needs only one cable.
So, any external, portable DVD drive should work by plugging in a single USB cable. The converse is not true: the Air SuperDrive will only work in extra powered, non-standard USB ports, ie. virtually no others.
Still, this is a beautifully designed drive for a very good price (being a minimalist, I'd like to see a version that is a little lighter, but I haven't found one that is smaller and lighter than the Air SuperDrive yet).
Cheers,
Godo, author of "The Carbon Buster's Home Energy Handbook"
PS: you may want to consider using a bluetooth mouse and keyboard if you find the single USB port too limiting.
Customer Review: not good at all...
Summary: 1 Stars
Have you ever seen the clip from madtv about a bunch of people adoring Steve Jobs, and crying everytime he open his mouth? I'm that kind of people, I love Mac, fanatically. But in this case after been with the air and the 'superdrive' for some months now, really is not worth the price and effort. I have a multiple hub, and so I have no problem with the only usb provided. But everytime one of my students bring something in a cd, I have to disconnect everything, 'cause this thing only works directly attached to the macbook air. Besides about two weeks later the cable started to peel from the unit!.
If apple says I only do need one usb port I believe it. I can live without firewire. And maybe they are absolutely true about cds and dvds being obsolete when there are usb drives with 5gb in the size of a nail. But the thing with the superdrive is that is made to be annoying. Really does not solve any problem, itself is the problem. And at the end I'm going to buy a sony just for functionality. If you are thinking in it, skip it. Heresy on my behalf!!!!! forgive me Apple!!!!! aaggghhhhh -a thunder strikes!!!......-
Customer Review: Light and compact, but doesn't share well
Summary: 3 Stars
The MacBook Air SuperDrive is light and compact as advertised. It slides into a bag pocket and hardly adds any weight or bulk. And it performs as advertised, quickly and quietly.
But, it consumes the MacBook Air's only USB port and works only with that one port -- it does not work with USB hubs! With no downstream ports of its own, you can't use your SuperDrive and any other USB device at the same time. Like a keyboard or mouse, or your iPhone or iPod, or a USB printer.
This is a remarkable oversight. But if you want to install Boot Camp or play DVDs, you'll need this -- or something like it.
(In my original review on 2/10/2008, I wrote "it's pretty much the only game in town right now." But since then, some commenters noted that generic USB optical drives will work, such as the LG GSA-E50L. Thanks to C. Ross and PenPal for chiming in! I haven't tested the LG or any other USB DVD drive sold on Amazon with the MacBook Air, so I can't attest to how well they do or don't work with MacBook Air.)
*updated 7/27/2008*
Customer Review: Useful, but seldom used
Summary: 3 Stars
I had a first-generation MacBook Air from their availability last February until last week. I acquired the new, improved second-generation MacBook Air eight days ago. Throughout, I've had a SuperDrive, two over the period.
I found the SuperDrive useful for loading software, not for playing DVDs with my original MacBook Air, but not due to a fault in the SuperDrive. The processor on my particular computer was never adequate for playing video for longer than a few minutes, if that. I am hoping to get more use out of the SuperDrive with the faster graphics chip in my new MacBook Air, since it plays video better.
My complaint about the SuperDrive is that the short connecting cable bends and breaks easily. I had to have one SuperDrive replaced for that reason. I recommend mainly using the SuperDrive at home on your desk, and, being very careful when carrying it in your case, so as not to stress the weak cable.