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Apple MacBook Air SuperDrive

It isn't a power problem...

Written by EB from Oregon House

Aug 24, 2009

I've tried many USB hubs, also and it isn't power that is the problem with the Superdrive not working with USB hubs or other computers, it is a bridge within the drive.

Take a look at this solution from tnkgrl Mobile:
www(dot)tuaw(dot)com/2008/06/24/mod-use-your-macbook-air-superdrive-on-any-machine/

Not for those without soldering experience, but if you are comfortable with opening the case and replacing the bridge, it is a $9 + shipping solution...

32 of 36 people found this useful

Apple MacBook Air SuperDrive

Could've been better.

Written by JS from Portland

Jan 12, 2009

As a one-and-only drive, it works well. But like the rest of us—who don't mind the MBA's limitations—wonder why the SuperDrive wouldn't have an additional port or two, given its exclusivity. Bad design. As some have said, you may be better off with a networked DVD drive.

Think: you have an external drive with mountains of data… how do you back it up? Not with this.

77 of 91 people found this useful

Apple MacBook Air SuperDrive

Techno Viking could not get it to work with a USB hub, nor can I!.

Written by PB from ODEM

Aug 27, 2008

Good luck with the SuperDrive. While it does a GREAT job of reading and writing, it DOES NOT work with a USB hub! You've gotta be kidding me. Fix this problem now!

I have one USB connection on my MacBook Air, and I have an external hard drive, camera, iPhone and a SuperDrive hooked up to it via a hub. Everything works but the SuperDrive!

Come on Steve Jobs, call Chuck Norris, maybe he can help you with this glitch. Send your engineers back to Truck Driving School, and get this situation resolved.

Remember, test, Test and TEST AGAIN.

125 of 156 people found this useful

Apple MacBook Air SuperDrive

Reality of using the MacBook SuperDrive

Written by GJ from Cordova

Aug 17, 2008

OK, you're a college student that enjoys the small form factor and light weight of the MacBook Air. IT IS GREAT! However, when you are at your desk and you have multiple devices that has to be connected to your MacBook Air the logical route is to use a usb hub. One problem here, if you need to use the superdrive you are going to have to unplug the usb hub every time because the superdrive simply doesn't work on a hub. Now you have created another problem, in my case when I unplug my hub I lose my printer/scanner, ipod, usb speakers and my EyeTV connection.
Yes I own it but it is not the ideal situation for me, got to be better way. Advise, think this through before spending the money. Don't just consider how well it works for traveling with it but also consider how you will use it at your workstation.

124 of 137 people found this useful

Apple MacBook Air SuperDrive

More of a necessity than accessory

Written by CA from Orlando

Mar 23, 2008

I know the point of the Air is to be completely wireless but the world is still not at that point, so having an optical drive for most people is a must. The superdrive is a good optical drive, nothing special its just a drive. But having it HAVE to use the ONLY usb port on my AIR was a complete oversight. I have an external drive and usb printer that are constantly use, not to mention all my other usb devices (ipod etc) and you'll have to switch between them and the cd drive if you need the optical drive for something. The Air definitely needs atleast one more port and the superdrive should be able to be hooked up to a hub.

61 of 85 people found this useful

Apple MacBook Air SuperDrive

No USB For You!

Written by JS from katy

Mar 2, 2008

Product will NOT run through a USB hub making it essentially useless.

Discs get stuck - would it be hard to put an eject button in the front?

41 of 50 people found this useful