This $21 USB drive lets modern laptops read CDs and DVDs again
Optical drives are still practical for many users, whether to play old CDs and DVDs, install software, or create backups—especially with modern laptops, which are usually supplied without a drive. External drives are the solution for continued access to physical media.
The Amicool external CD/DVD drive is currently on sale for just $20.39. That’s a smooth 15 percent discount on a great USB accessory with over 25,000 reviews and a solid 4.2-star rating. It sold over 10,000 units just this past month!
What’s great about this CD/DVD drive?
This external CD/DVD drive supports data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps, which is great for films, files, or software installations. You can quickly and stably read data and burn media, and it’s compatible with USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.0 ports. Power is supplied via the connection, so no separate power supply is needed. Thanks to the plug-and-play design, you don’t have to install any drivers either.
Another advantage is its broad compatibility: in addition to Windows versions from XP and later, the drive also supports macOS and Linux. The USB-C adapter (included) allows you to connect it to both conventional USB-A ports and USB-C ports on laptops such as the Macbook Air. The device supports numerous media and writing formats, including CD-R, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-R DL, and DVD-RAM.
The physical dimensions are compact, too. Measuring about 5.5 x 5.5 inches with a thickness of 0.67 inches, you can easily stow it in your backpack or laptop bag and use it on the go.
Score this CD/DVD drive while you can
In the reviews, buyers emphasize the good price-performance ratio and ease of use of this USB-connected drive, with many describing the drive as fast and reliable. If there’s any criticism, it’s usually levied against the drive’s ability to recognize certain computers, which is usually due to insufficient power supply via USB. (According to the manufacturer, a direct connection to the PC instead of a USB hub can solve this.)
All in all, the Amicool external CD/DVD drive offers an uncomplicated solution for anyone who wants to continue using CDs or DVDs. It’s darn affordable—especially with this current discount—and it’s suitable for both older PCs and modern laptops.
Get this useful external CD/DVD drive for your computer for $21
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
