Burning or Importing Audio CD using Remote Disc

[ICEBreaker]

Dear Mac users,

I have recently bought a Mac Mini, and it is the first one without an optical disc. At first, I thought this was a good move, since the Apple presentations made it seem as if remote disc was a complete substitute for an optical disc drive. However, I now seem to realise that I cannot perform one very basic task - I cannot import CDs (i.e. rip mp3) to iTunes. I have searched on the internet and this forum and seem to find very little information on this. Most topics were from 2008 when remote disc and Mac Air came out.

Therefore, I wish to confirm if the following are still true.
1. It is not possible to use remote disc to import/rip an Audio CD in iTunes. How about other software such as Songbird?
2. It is not possible to burn to CD/DVD using any software (such as Roxio Toast).
3. The Superdrive still has a poor cord design that breaks easily.

Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

[Mr.C]

I can't answer questions 1and2 but as far as question 3 goes I have no idea what you're talking about. I've never hear any complaints about the external SuperDrive including it's connection cable. I've had one for several years now ever since the original MacBook Air came out and it's still just fine with no problems including the cable.

 

[ICEBreaker]

Well in that case, you better read the reviews at the Apple Store. Glad to know yours is working great.

 

[Mr.C]

Well in that case, you better read the reviews at the Apple Store. Glad to know yours is working great.

Reviews on the Apple store are hardly conclusive. Really the only time people tend to post is when they have an issue. The majority usually don't and therefore don't post. Like I said I've had no problems and not read anywhere including several of the Mac forums about any issues. If you don't feel comfortable with an Apple SuperDrive then there are plenty of other options out there probably for less.

 

[mr.steevo]

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Remote Disc doesn't allow CD importing to iTunes?

Seriously?

 

[GeekLawyer]

The theory, I guess, is that you'd rip the music on the computer with the optical drive. And then transfer the music to the Mini over Home Sharing, AirDrop, or otherwise through the network.

It adds a step or two. But the result is the same. (Or just spend the money for the Apple external drive or $25 for a non-Apple drive.)

 

[mr.steevo]

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I'll have to get a $30 external disc drive when I get the new mini.

 

[fa8362]

The theory, I guess, is that you'd rip the music on the computer with the optical drive. And then transfer the music to the Mini over Home Sharing, AirDrop, or otherwise through the network.

It adds a step or two. But the result is the same. (Or just spend the money for the Apple external drive or $25 for a non-Apple drive.)

If you use an external HD for music storage, all you have to do is connect it to the Mini after you've ripped, then copy a few iTunes library files over to the new Mini, and it will never know it didn't rip the tunes itself. Takes only a few minutes.

 

[ICEBreaker]

Reviews on the Apple store are hardly conclusive. Really the only time people tend to post is when they have an issue. The majority usually don't and therefore don't post. Like I said I've had no problems and not read anywhere including several of the Mac forums about any issues. If you don't feel comfortable with an Apple SuperDrive then there are plenty of other options out there probably for less.

It does sound a little like placing one's head in the sand and ignoring a potential problem. Without expending much effort I found a thread on this issue at this very forum. So I don't think the negative reviews are confined to the Apple Store only. Anyway, thanks for letting me know that the cord wasn't a problem in your case.

And thanks to others for confirming the other two points. Seems like I would just have to put up with using my Windows PC to rip music or buy an external DVD burner for the Mini.

I can see that getting rid of the DVD helps reduce the form factor of the Mini, which is a good thing of course. But for the cynically minded, it also seems as if Apple is "encouraging" its users to live within Apple's ecosystem, and closing off alternative media distribution channels. Very monopolistic - I like it. We must load up on more of that lovely APPL stock.

 

[scottsjack]

I think the OP is talking about using Apple software to access an ODD in another Mac while those answering are talking about plugging an ODD into the mini. Those are two separate subjects.