ASUS ZenDrive V1M External DVD Drive and Writer with Built-in Cable-Storage Design, USB-C Interface, Compatible with Win 11 and macOS, M-DISC Support (SDRW-08V1M-U)

This thing is amazing.For how cheap it is, it does exactly everything I need.It copies my music CDs, it plays DVDs, and it requires no drivers.I have a 2025 MacBook Air M4 15”.People say it’s fragile, but it’s just like every other disc drive. I’ve been using disc players since 1992 and had the 1996 Magnavox portable CD player. It “feels” flimsy, because it cost $20.Having the hidden USB-C cord was an absolute gem of an idea.Noise levels: it’s as noisy as any other disc player I have ever used. It has no internal stabilizer or inertial dampen system. If you want all those bells and whistles, you going to spend $100+ of a disc driver. You might as well just buy their Blu-Ray burner at that price. For how tiny it is, it’s phenomenal. It’s thinner than my MacBook Air.I haven’t tried to burn CDs or DVDs yet, so I can’t speak on that parts. All I know is that it rips CDs without fail.Maybe if I get my music collection back I can make a meme CD and put it in a museum.

I wanted/needed a peripheral DVD/CD player for my Windows 11 laptops in order to rip and/or burn audio CDs. So far I've set this player up with two separate laptops running Win 11 and it's working perfectly. There is no setup wizard, or software you have to load. (The software included on the accompanying CD-ROM is just bloatware and should be avoided.) Another reviewer had a very helpful comment, namely that when you first connect the player via USB-C and absolutely nothing happens, don't worry. It comes to life once you insert a CD. From there, via File -> Open Audio CD, can choose to play or rip audio. For the rip selection it gives you an option to specify settings for the rip. Really handy. So far the ripping has worked flawlessly with both laptops. I haven't yet attempted to burn any CDs, but I don't have reason to believe it will be an issue considering its performance so far. I'll probably update this review when I do, but so far a full five stars. BTW - the title of this review might leave the reader wondering if the unit works with Windows 10. The answer is I don't know as I no longer have any Windows 10 machines. I've read in the past that Windows 10 was not so compatible with external DVD/CD drives, thus I never bothered trying on those. Your mileage may vary with this unit on Win 10. One last comment. . . The unit is light and seems a little delicate. I'm not knocking it for that. Just don't drop it or bang it around as it's not built like a tank. If you treat it well, it will treat you well.

Plan on using it with a powered USB Hub. Wouldn't work with my Surface Pro's USB ports.Otherwise works fine and ASUS has tech support.

Works great. Plug and play. After reading several negative reviews, decided to try it anyway, and my only gripe is there are rubber feet on the drive the thickness of a couple sheets of paper. It sets flush to the desktop, which also takes the space in front when the drive is opened. I found a square box the size of the drive to set the drive on. Now it's four inches above the desktop. You will most likely also need a USB extension cord as the built in cord is short.

Great tool for us older ones who may still have lots of CDs and DVDs backed up with things we still want to access but don't have laptops with drives to access. Comes in really handy. Very lightweight also.

I have used this to burn hundreds of DVDs and it works great. I have had no issues with it. The cord is very short but not a problem for me. I love how when not in use the cord has a place to go.

Great drive

Worked for 1 month then died. Company says there is no warrantee and return window is closed. I purchased a new item but manufacturer svs. rep says that it was an open box and no warantee??? Something is fishy. It is definitely listed as a NEW item. Disappointed it only worked for 34 days. Not sure why I can't return it for a replacement? Product should last longer than 1 month.