The Apple USB SuperDrive,[1] Apple SuperDrive,[2] USB SuperDrive,[3] or just SuperDrive[4] is a slot-loading 8x optical disc drive from 2008 that can play and burn CDs and DVDs.
It is "compatible with Mac systems without a built-in optical drive" introduced in 2008 or later, has an integrated USB-A cable, requires a USB 2.0 port, but can also be used with newer Macs with a Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port via a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter or USB-C to USB Adapter. Before its discontinuation ("out of stock" since august 2024 in the US,[5] worldwide since october 2024)[6] it was available for around 16 years and its most recent prices were US$79 / 89,00 €.
The SuperDrive uses the board configuration MD564, has a speed of up to 480 MBit/s, cache of 1024 KB and needs 500 mA.
Supported formats are CD-R, CD-RW as well as DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW.
Specifications:
Dimensions
Size and Weight
- Height: 0.67 in./17mm
- Width: 5.47 in./139mm
- Depth: 5.47 in./139mm
- Weight: 0.74 lb/335g as Apple USB SuperDrive or 320 g (0.71 pound)[7] as MacBook Air SuperDrive
Connections
- USB-A
MacBook Air SuperDrive
The SuperDrive was formerly known as the MacBook Air SuperDrive when first introduced and sold in 2008 before the rebranding in 2011.
Trivia
- You can eject a CD or DVD only when connected to a computer, as it lacks any buttons.
- Select the CD or DVD and choose "File > Eject" from the menu bar.
- Click Eject next to the CD or DVD name in the sidebar of Finder.
- Drag the CD or DVD to the Trash icon.
- Press the Media Eject key on the keyboard if it has one.
- Regions 1 to 6 are supported, but you can set the DVD drive region only five times.[8]
- When inserting a CD, the "Music" app opens by default and offers to play and/or transfer music.
- The "DVD Player" app icon looks like a SuperDrive and opens when inserting a DVD.
- It is not possible to take screenshots inside the "DVD Player" app, but a third-party app like VLC works.
- The SuperDrive peripheral is considered "worldwide obsolete".[9]
External links
References
- ^ https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD564LL/A/apple-usb-superdrive
- ^ > About this Mac > Hardware
- ^ Packaging
- ^ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102181
- ^ https://9to5mac.com/2024/08/05/apple-superdrive-discontinued/
- ^ https://www.macrumors.com/2024/10/11/apple-quietly-discontinues-16-year-old-accessory/
- ^ https://support.apple.com/en-us/112660
- ^ https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/dvd-player/cpdv1503/Mac
- ^ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102772
