I have this model CD/DVD drive for my Mac computers for multiple reasons. For one, it's practically the same as Apple's SuperDrive in every way and second, it's got a USB-C cable so I can connect it to my MacBook Pro without needing any additional adapters. Oh, there's a third reason, too.
Internal SuperDrive floppy drive on a The term was first used by Apple Computer in 1988 to refer to their 1.44 3.5 inch. This replaced the older that had been standard in the up to then, but remained compatible in that it could continue to read and write both 800 KB (double-sided) and 400 KB (single-sided) floppy disks, as well as the then-new high-density floppies. This drive was also capable of reading and writing formatted disks and file formats, using or other software, unlike the 400 KB and 800 KB drives.
This was made possible as the SuperDrive now utilitized the same (Modified Frequency Modulation) encoding scheme used by the PC, yet still retained backward compatibility with Apple's variable-speed scheme and encoding format, so it could continue to read Macintosh, and formats on 400/800 KB disks. Introduced in 1988 under the Trademark name FDHD (Floppy Disk High Density), the subsequently renamed SuperDrive was known primarily as an internally mounted floppy drive that was part of the Macintosh computer; however, an external version of the drive was manufactured that came in a -styled plastic case. While the external drive worked on both Apple's product lines, it was mainly intended for use on the Apple II series, for which Apple introduced in 1991 a slot-based interface called the Apple II 3.5 Disk Controller Card for and computers so they too could use 1.40 MB storage and read/write MS-DOS.
The controller card as well as the external Superdrive were discontinued in June 1994. The SuperDrive cannot be used with the original four Mac models ( through ), as their disk controller (IWM) doesn't support high density. The next two models to be released ( & (1987)) also shipped with that controller; a SuperDrive connected to them will behave as an 800 KB drive. These two models can be upgraded via the M0244 upgrade kit (which replaces the IWM disk controller with the SWIM) and gain full use of the SuperDrive. All later models shipped with the SWIM.
The first model to include a SuperDrive floppy drive was the (1988). Every and introduced from 1988–97 (with the exception of the, series, and, which offered a proprietary external floppy drive as an option), had a built-in SuperDrive floppy drive. The last model to include one was the beige series, which was manufactured until January 1999. The 1998 model (a.k.a. Wallstreet) had an optional floppy drive module. The series, Series, and original shared the same interchangeable floppy drive module as a standard feature.
The drive as mounted on PowerBooks lacked the auto-inject feature of Apple's initial desktop SuperDrive implementation, requiring the user to manually insert the disk all the way into the drive. The feature was dropped throughout the lineup during 1993–94. The series also had a floppy drive module, but was incompatible with the other PowerBooks. The end of the SuperDrive coincides with the demise of Macs; with the advent of the machines, Apple stopped offering internal floppy drives on all models. The SuperDrive is not supported in, not even on the few Old World ROM machines that can officially run OS X. Internal CD and DVD drive Once the use of floppy disks started declining, Apple reused the trademark to refer to the optical drives built into its Macintosh models, which could read and write both DVDs. The early 2001 release of the was the first Macintosh to include a SuperDrive.
SuperDrives featured 6–24x write speeds and supported the, and formats along with all normal read-only media. Support, notably, is absent though it can be unofficially enabled on some drive models. Apple never offered a drive or supported playback of the format.
Unlike tray-style disc holders which have an inner guide ring, slot-style drives will not work with or discs (8cm diameter instead of 12cm) unless an 8 cm optical disc adapter is used and extraction of the disc is difficult, requiring tweezers, use of a card with double-sided sticky tape, or complete disassembly of it. The, released in 2008, was the first Macintosh to not include a SuperDrive after it became standard across the line. Apple began phasing SuperDrives out across the Macintosh line beginning in 2011. The updated second generation 13-inch, released in 2012 and discontinued in 2016, was the last Macintosh to include a SuperDrive.
External CD and DVD drive Apple still sells a USB-connected external SuperDrive as an accessory. The drive has faced criticism and mixed customer reviews, with 410 reviews averaging two and a half stars. Criticism includes the lack of support for or mini optical discs and malfunctions that make the drive inoperable, with no way to eject a stuck disc. DVD Multi and Super Multi DVD Multi is a specification for optical media drives. The specification was approved by the and was claimed to enable disc compatibility for virtually all formats officially created by the DVD Forum. However, is not included because it is not 'officially' from the DVD Forum. Uses the term Super AllWrite instead, which essentially has the same meaning.
Drives with DVD Multi can read and write and discs, and read. Some may also play and/or DVD+R/RW discs. Version 1.1 is the current version (as of September 2009).
Power up the laptop. Next connect the drive to your macbook air with a USB2 cable (since it has no FW cable apparently). Power up the the external Burner.
Insert a dvd rental from your local Blockbuster or any other commercial dvd. Does the rental / dvd mount on the desktop?
Or does it start playing as soon as it's inserted into the drive? It should let you know as soon as you connect the drive what steps you need to take. But if not open apple's system preferences and simply run apple's software updater. Do you see any required updates listed? If so, install them now (make sure the item/s are checked and fully installed). Then restart your mac while leaving the drive powered up and connected to your laptop.
Hope this helps but if not just come on back. Message was edited by: SDMacuser. Apple Footer. This site contains user submitted content, comments and opinions and is for informational purposes only. Apple may provide or recommend responses as a possible solution based on the information provided; every potential issue may involve several factors not detailed in the conversations captured in an electronic forum and Apple can therefore provide no guarantee as to the efficacy of any proposed solutions on the community forums. Apple disclaims any and all liability for the acts, omissions and conduct of any third parties in connection with or related to your use of the site. All postings and use of the content on this site are subject to the.