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)

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.

Like many modern laptops, this one does not come with a built-in DVD reader. I had some old software and childhood files on CDs that I needed to recover, and this CD player made that possible. It allowed me to retrieve valuable memories and essential software with ease. The device is compact and easy to store, and I appreciate the convenience of the attached cable. Overall, it's a worthwhile purchase.

Works well. Plugged in the stored USB C and started working. Has burned several CD-Rs without an issue.

Easy to use, works well!

Connected to my M4 macbook pro on sequoia via usb-c with no problem. Don't fret when you plug it in and doesn't immediately appear on the desktop or in your locations. Once you put a DVD or CD in there, it will mount just fine. I love having the eject button on the drive and not forced to use a keybind, as in the past i have had trouble getting discs out when my older computers stopped responding and taking input from the keyboard. The tray does seem a bit flimsy when it comes out, so be careful with it, but I suppose you have to sacrifice some beefiness for such a slim and portable form factor. I picked this one because the USB-C cord is stowed within the drive, I won't worry about losing it or add to my already chaotic cord drawer. A great value for what you pay. Glad I went with this one instead of apple's.

I use this external drive to read in CD's into my iTunes account. It worked with my windows 11 laptop without anything to setup. It reads CDs very fast and produces a great quality copy. I am very happy with this unit. It is much better than the LG external drive that I had prior to this ASUS.

Works great! I bought a new desktop pc that did not have optical drive and this device works great. My only wish would be have been for a little more cord length just for more possible options of where to set it.

This is not working with my MacBook Air. I’ve been on the phone with apple support , which by the way, I contacted ASUS first and they said they couldn’t help me if it wasn’t connecting, to contact apple. So I’m returning.