Comments on: Iomega SuperSlim USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive 34427

By: David R. Adams

David R. Adams — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:44:52 +0000

I just bought this and it seems to work just fine. Nothing fancy.

It requires 2 free USB ports (look at the picture on Amazon). On my MacBook Pro the USB ports are on opposite sites of the computer, and the cable JUST reaches if I stretch the cable across the top of my keyboard (doesn’t obstruct any keys). Kind of annoying, but I only use the burner occasionally.

By: The Taminator

The Taminator — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:04:26 +0000

I bought this to install software to my Dell Mini 9, and it worked like a charm right out of the box. It’s slim, lightweight, and quiet. Best of all, Windows XP automatically recognized it, so all I had to do was plug it in. I have no idea how this will affect battery life since I don’t usually run on the battery, but it does take 2 USB ports to power it. There are only 3 USB ports on the Dell Mini 9, so if you need to leave it plugged in for any length of time you should keep that in mind.

It installed software and burned backup CDs and DVDs as well or better than any other drive I have had. Discs snap into a tray that looks like most CD/DVD drives on standard laptops. The only way to improve it would be to make it run on a single USB port instead of two, but other than that it’s a great drive. I don’t think you’ll get a better value in the portable category & highly recommend it.

By: quindici

quindici — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:13:17 +0000

This is not a review of the DVD player itself, but a note of warning on the Nero8 "free" software packaged with it.

On initial installation and use, I notice that "some" dvds can play with sound, but others do not. Those that do not require a specific plug-in, one that can be downloaded from the Nero website FOR A FREE 30 DAY TRIAL What I'm led to believe is that I can download the module for a 30 day free trial and if, afther that amount of time, I want to continue having sound, I'll have to purchase the full product upgrade, perhaps doubling the cost of the original purchase.

Sadly, to me, this represents a bait and switch ploy. There was no mention of this prior to purchasing the DVD player with the nero8 essentials disc included in the purchase. Would I feel any differently if I bought, for example, a new car and it came with a speedometer that ceased to function without a paid upgrade after 30 days of free trial? I don't like feeling that I've been had.

The software provided with the DVD player is called Nero 8 Essentials. Sound, since the advent of the Talkies, seems to be an essential feature. Be Forewarned.

By: J. Lee

J. Lee — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:25:33 +0000

I brought this over the slightly cheaper Samsung because when I compared the size this unit is more compact. From the manufacturer site, this unit measures 6×5.25×0.625 inch, compared to the Samsung which is 6.2×5.5×0.75. So is 1/8″ thinner. Strength wise it seems solidly built to me but you can’t push down on the top while closing as the door can hit the top lip to prevent it from shutting completely. The unit is also lighter than the Samsung, 0.62 lbs compared to the 0.93 lbs so maybe it is thinner metal but I don’t have a Samsung unit to compare it to. I wanted as small and portable a unit to match my netbook so I went with this unit and it is working fine for me.

By: D. R. Miller

D. R. Miller — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:31:28 +0000

The unit works just as advertised. Installation worked well, but I needed to use both USB connectors to get enough power to make it work. When I first installed it with just a single connector, it appeared to install okay, but didn't actually transfer data. Plugging in the second USB cable cleared everything up.

The unit is very small and compact which is nice. However, the case is thin enough that that if you put much pressure on it, there is a scraping noise indicating that it is rubbing against the motor inside. There are no ill effects from this, but it is a good idea not to stack anything on it.

Altogether, this is a nice compact unit that is a good value.