Let's talk about alternative accessories - DVD drive, USB-ethernet dongle etc

[PDE]

I love the design of Apple's superdrive, but I hate that it can't be used on any other computer or through a powered hub. Not that I'll need to use it like that frequently, I just hate being forced into a specific configurations for no reason. If others can provide USB powered drives for normal USB ports, so can Apple, but they chose not to for some unknown reason. The USB-ethernet dongle looks nice, but is there no way to have both a USB and ethernet connection on one dongle so that you can switch between the two without having to unplug?

Was hoping that we can create some kind of list of alternatives for these items. Does anybody have any experience with other usb powered DVD burners? Dongles?

Thanks and I'll add information as I explore..

 

[lewisozz]

Heres Some Pics Of Mba Superdrive !!!!

The Superdrive Is Amazing And Sexy !!!!

 

[PDE]

The Superdrive Is Amazing And Sexy !!!!

Uh...that's nice to know. Yes, very beautiful, but it doesn't have a built-in USB port, does it? Why was that so difficult for Apple to accomplish? It would have made using the superdrive much nicer since you could actually plug in other item at the same time. Or....another unusual thought, enable the superdrive to work through a powered hub as well...

 

[ubercool]

Oh and the Superdrive will not work with PCs, I already tried with my Sony TZ!

 

[lewisozz]

It So Anyoing

I no what you mein. i have a iphone a ipod and a 3g internet device and i have to plug in my superdrive.WHY THE HELL IS THERE NO USB PORTS FOR THE SUPERDRIVE !!!!!!!!!??????

 

[shoulin333]

what about a usb "powered" hub, since the MBA seems to have some nice power coming out of the port, we need a hub that can be "powered" from it.. maybe not to run the superdrive and more.. but maybe charge an ipod, and use a usb stick at same time?

 

[ctt1wbw]

Dammit, Steve Jobs!!! That's it, I'm suing you!!!!!!!

 

[gkarris]

Oh and the Superdrive will not work with PCs, I already tried with my Sony TZ!

Apple purposely made it work only on a very high powered USB port, which I guess is on the MBA. Isn't there one on the Al iMac? Has anyone tried it on that (not that you need to)...

EDIT:

I guess it doesn't have anything to do with power requirements. Apple simply provides the drivers only for the MacBook Air:

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/4990169/

 

[gkarris]

The Superdrive Is Amazing And Sexy !!!!

Are there any screws on the bottom of the case?

Is it really one of these instead?

http://www.slidirect.com/web/do/pub...AD3CAF0A1BD53A58A38FE576?categoryId=26&id=133