Lightscribe External DVD Drive, USB 3.0 & Type-c Portable Lightscribe CD DVD Burner Ultra-Slim Portable Optical Drive CD DVD +/-RW ROM Reader Compatible with Laptop Desktop PC Windows Linux MacOS

If youre looking into purchasing this Alphami brand external CD/DVD-RW drive, its probably going to be for its two most prominent features: the already-attached USB cord that can be rolled up and stored within, and its optional use of lightscribe technology. They both have their uses, but together I did run into an issue when used in conjunction with a USB extension hub, namely that when plugged into the hub, the drive had a hard time reading lightscribe discs, often taking a minute or two to recognize it and then sometimes without warning itll drop out and act as though nothing were inserted - at times even in the middle of burning, which essentially ruins the disc! This wouldnt occur when plugged into the computer directly, and then only with specially enabled lightscribe discs, but its something to look out for. The thing is, youll most likely *want* to use some kind of extension because the otherwise convenient built-in cord 7 inch cord is so stubby. As for the lightscribe functionality itself, its essentially an archaic technology - its an inkless disc label printing solution directly from the drive itself from the late 2000s that never really took off and whose industry support was pulled in 2013. So in order to get it to work youll need to install both the official lightscribe software (sort of like a driver) as well as a program that allows for printing labels, though both are pretty easy to find - surprisingly enough, my copy of Nero Express had a lightscribe mode that I had no idea was even there. And youll also need lightscribe CDs or DVDs, too, and since theyre not made anymore theyre getting rarer and more expensive with time. But if you have an interest in personal CD-making or obscure technology in general, the novelty factor is through the roof! Although the labels are monochromatic, the detail is sharp as heck and have a professional sheen to them. Its a shame lightscribe couldnt find a consistent customer base. As a general CD/DVD drive, the Alphami is certainly adequate, working instantly when plugged into my Windows 10 laptop, and running smoothly and surprisingly quietly. Pick this one up over a name brand if the distinctive built-in USB cord and lightscribe features appeal to you.

Laptop these days do not come with a CD drive anymore. This posses a problem when you need to reinstall your older programs and games that you need to use on your new machine. This portable CD drive burner works great. It reads and writes great with my cd burning software. My laptop had no issues recognizing it when I installed it. It burns CDs and DVDs quickly if you need that function. Great overall item with a needed purpose for me. Recommend.

This compact external optical drive is light and feels sturdy. The attached USB cable tucks neatly underneath the drive and provides both older Type A and newer Type C options for connecting it to a computer. There’s no additional power cord required, the USB cable is able to power the drive. No issues with getting my computer and laptop to recognize the optical drive after it was plugged in. Drive read CDs and DVDs without issue. I did not have any blank discs to test the write function. With modern laptops, and even some desktops, becoming more slim and less likely to include a disc drive it’s nice to have this external optical drive available when needed.

I was surprised to see a HP Lightscribe drive available for purchase in 2023, for sure. I was skeptical that I could make the Lightscribe function work. But, one trip to the Internet Archive later, I was able to install the HP Lightscribe software on Windows 10, and surprisingly it works perfectly with this USB drive! Other than the Lightscribe support, there is not much of interest - which isnt a bad thing. Its a CD and DVD burner that works as expected. It has an attached cable with is nice, with both USB-A and USB-C leads. Bottom line - its a reliable external burner. If you are interested in Lightscribe, I think this might be your only option at this point! Really cool.

I have hundreds of CDs of my favorite music but a new desk top computer with no way to play them. Doing as much research I could do, this item was my best choice. I plug it into a USB port and have a quality device to listen to my music. Can’t get easier than that!

Seems made decent no issues, it works as it should.

Since more and more laptops are not coming with CD/DVD drives I go this. I had plugged it into a USB extension that I keep near my keyboard, but it kept connecting and disconnecting. Once I plugged it directly into the docking station it was able to stay connected. I like that it has an USB C connector on it along with the USB A connector, but Im always worried when something comes with a hardwired USB cord, what happens when the cord frays or connector gets damaged - you cant change them out and the device is dead. Overall, glad I got it to continue to burn photos and document backups for my mom.

I got this for my PC since like most new builds and gaming PCs these days do not take in consideration an optical drive. I doing the same thing, decided to skip out on it hoping to pick one up in the future. I got this one since it seemed very simple and easy to use. Thankfully, it was, all you have to do is plug it in and let the driver naturally install, once this is done it is ready to go. The unfortunate thing is that this DVD drive does not support Blu-Ray Discs, I know that that feature can be harder to come by thanks to a Sony patent, but I was still a little upset that the feature was not supported. Otherwise, CD and regular DVD seem to work just fine and play quickly. My main reasons for giving this the rating it has is that the overall quality of the product does seem a little low, using light plastics and metals for the shell. On top of this, the lack of bluray support is a little bummer, and when playing discs if you touch the device it can make a weird sound. Overall, if you are on a budget and need something that is quick, easy, and affordable then this is a good way to go.

Im so tired of all the various charging cables. connection cables and power cords for all my electronic gadgets. I was always wondering why they dont incorporate the cords into the design of the electronics. So heres a step in the right direction, with an attached cable. The Lightscribe External DVD Drive worked well with my HP laptop and was able to play a DVD without any problems or hassles. I havent tried writing a CD yet, but not sure Ill be needing that feature. Mostly need the external to look at MRI/Xrays on CD that patients bring for me to look at.

While I no longer have to burn CDs for MP3s and my car stereos I have ran into a few instances that I actually did need a CD drive on my computer or laptop so I decided to give this a try. it is extremely lightweight which is awesome and I love that the cable actually wraps into the bottom of the drive so its easy to store in my laptop bag or on the desktop without having a cord hanging out. the only downside of that is the cord is pretty small so I have to clear off a spot on top of my PC if I need to use it for my tower. but if youre using this for a laptop you probably have some room to the left or right of it anyway so no concern there. I have not tested the CD burning function but it is a nice addition if you do need to burn discs for OS images or data storage for backups.