Why won't my external DVD drive work with my USB hub? A. If you shop for models around $70, you will start seeing drives that can also play Blu-ray discs.
Your best bet is to start in the $25 to $50 range for high-quality, well-built models that can meet your expectations. Price Purchasing an external DVD drive that costs less than $20 may be inviting frustration. Portability Since an external DVD drive is a detachable item, you will want a durable model that is small and lightweight, making it easy to pack along with your laptop. USB 3.0 If you have a computer or a laptop that supports USB 3.0, it may be worthwhile to look for an external DVD drive that supports this feature as data exchange rates can be up to ten times faster.
Some examples include encryption software for added security or playback software to enhance your viewing experience. Software Even if you purchased a plug-and-play external DVD drive, additional software can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your device. Functionality The functionality of your external DVD drive can be enhanced by the following features. If you are looking for a device that also reads Blu-ray discs, you will need to spend about twice as much. If this is a must-have feature for you, be careful - especially when considering inexpensive models. Luckily, this is the norm, and you will have a very low chance of stumbling upon a model that only reads, but the possibility does exist. Read and write If you want the ability to save data, you will need an external DVD drive that features both read and write capabilities. At one time, this was a rare feature, but nowadays, there's no reason to purchase a model that is lacking in this area.
Plug and play A plug-and-play external DVD drive is designed to work simply by connecting the drive to your computer, without the need for manual configuring or additional software.
Considerations when choosing external DVD drives Compatibility Although many of today's external DVD drives are compatible with both Mac and Windows, there are a few key points to keep in mind when shopping. Our favorite, the ASUS ZenDrive, is compatible with both Mac and Windows and includes cables. Continue reading our buying guide to find the best external DVD drive for your needs. While some models can simply read DVDs, others may have read-and-write capability or the ability to play Blu-ray discs. The best external DVD drive, of course, will still be slimmer and lighter, but it will also be well-built, reliable, and fast. Today you may need to purchase an external DVD drive to watch that boxed set of Friends or The Office. As we become more and more obsessed with slimmer and lighter, many of our favorite components are being designed out of our most beloved gadgets, like optical drives in laptops.