Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

I bought the Iomega superslim DVD writer as an accessory for a Windows XP version of the Acer Netbook. I used the Iomega DVD drive to load software...without a hitch. I had hoped to use the Iomega product as a backup device for various laptops, and I was disappointed. The bundled software, Nero 8 OEM is a huge software package (468 MB) with more license limitations on media types than I can list here. If you own an older version of Nero, you will find that it works quite well with the Iomega product. Using the Iomega DVD writer as a backup device on my two Dell laptops requires an external power supply, not included with the Iomega product. Reading disks works quite well off of USB power. Writing data files consistently fails with messages about USB power surges from Windows. With some significant limitations, this product gets a 3 out of 5 from me...but it should probably be a 2.

I have had Iomega products before and was quite satisfied, although their Tech Support help is limited.

I was surprised that, in this case the CD/DVD burner was "DOA". I called Iomega's Tech Support and they were prompt, courteous and did trouble shooting over the phone. They agreed with the "dead-on-arrival" status and arranged for a replacement drive to be sent directly to me.

All that sad, I was disappointed with the "flimsy nature" of the drive's outer shell. I understand keeping things small and light but do not belive the outer shell should be as thin a material as it is. While, with care, the drive will be okay, it is not going to be easy to carry the thing around in my computer bag without getting crushed somewhere along the way.

Drive works fine and Tech Support was good but lack of structural strength is what drove the "2" rating.

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.

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.

This dvd player worked right out of the box. I did not and do not intend to install the included NERO software due to bad reviews from people who did. You do not need any special software to operate this dvd player, it is plug and play. I use it with an Acer Aspire 11.5 inch computer with Windows 7 and it works fine. I haven't used it as a recorder yet so I can't comment on that aspect but it plays files and movies fine. I puchased this unit because it was one of the smallest units available, with decent reviews, making it very portable with a netbook type pc. I will admit it probably isn't something you would want to drop or bang around too much but it seems to be built solid enough for such a small and light unit. Don't regret the purchase.

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 6x5.25x0.625 inch, compared to the Samsung which is 6.2x5.5x0.75. 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.

The software that came with the external drive took over my computer. It took a while to remove that software and with an additional purchase of software it seems to be working without any problem. Too bad the manufacturer cannot suggest alternative software to purchase and get the drive to work.

I was looking all over for a small size external DVD drive for my new netbook. I've had Iomega products before and this one seemed to fit my needs. It arrived in good time and was fairly well packaged. The unit itself seems to have a flimsy outer shell that is very flexible instead of rigid and you have to be careful to not squeeze it or do anything that might cause the top to bend inwards. That said, it does the job and is very light for mobility purposes and is very quiet as well.

The bundled Nero software is lousy and I didn't even install it as I have Roxio which is much better. Also, if you have Media Center, you can set your computer to play from the drive. It plugged into my netbook running Windows 7 and the drive was recognized immediately and only needed one of the dual USB cables to run which is great as it leaves my other USB ports for other stuff. I tried it on my HP Media Center laptop running Windows XP and it did need the two USB connections to work -- and, they had to be specific USB connections on opposite sides of the computer, but that may be an issue with my laptop. The split cable did BARELY reach across the computer over the keyboard -- not ideal. I also tried it on my PC running Vista and it also was immediately recognized and only needed one USB connection to work. I've played DVDs and CDs and have loaded software and it works flawlessly. I haven't tried to burn a CD or DVD with it yet, but will update this review when I do.

It would have been great to get a padded sleeve with it. Hopefully, it'll fit in the extra pocket on my new netbook case that is coming. Otherwise, that would be an extra expense that might be needed given the flimsy outer shell.

Some DVDs and harddrives are part of my regular travel luggage. This ultraslim burner can read and well on most formats. I dint require the Nero and I already have close to 4 GB of music and movies on my laptop already. USB port strength is high and dint require more than one. Above all that, it is far quieter than most of those I had used.