The new iMac-no DVD drive

[jwhazel]

Originally Posted by KidHTML

I still think this is BS by Apple. Now I have to spend more money just so I can install my Adobe CS6 software...

You do realize you can just download CS6 from Adobe?

[kfscoll]

One reason I like BDs instead of digital downloads is that I can rip the BD using MakeMKV and HandBrake, store it on my NAS, and stream it to any TV in my house. I'm also not forced to use my AppleTV since the DRM is removed...I can stream it to my Oppo BD player, any computer, my iPad, my WD TV live, etc. I can also custom compress the video for use on my iPad or iPhone so the quality is great yet it doesn't take up too much space. Plus, I like having the physical media and on my home theater projector the quality of BD can't be beat.

[Yebubbleman]

Originally Posted by kjdean

The new iMac does not have a DVD drive-so how do I play my DVD's etc?

Buy an external. I bought an LG one that I really love for my Mac mini; it's a traditional 5.25" Tray-load form-factor; cost me $50 and not only is it way faster than both Apple's internal slot-load SuperDrive and Apple's external USB SuperDrive, but it's also tons more reliable and $30 cheaper (than the external one; it's $80 cheaper than a replacement internal SuperDrive. Frankly, for Mac desktops, while it's stupid that they had to make it so thin, as far as optical drive options go, I'd almost say this was an improvement.

Originally Posted by kjdean

From what I understand this drive does not work with an iMac.Apple has to at least provide an alternative. And one that works!

It works with any Mac that didn't ship with an internal optical drive built-in. Even so, like I said above, it's not your best option by a long shot.

Originally Posted by hideous cheese

Do you think the SuperDrive will be updated for USB3?

No need, even the fastest optical drive reads at speeds slower than the average USB 2 data transfer rate.

Originally Posted by springbank

well I have no tv so my computer is the only option. My question is can I use an external dvd drive and use in my older mac since the one in it is rather lousy?

Yes. You might not have an easy time using the Apple one, but as I stated earlier, the Apple one isn't your best option anyway. Non-Apple external optical drives will read on any Mac regardless of whether it has an internal ODD or not. If Apple put any kind of restriction, it's one in the firmware of the drive telling it not to work with certain Mac models. Stupid.

Originally Posted by kfscoll

One reason I like BDs instead of digital downloads is that I can rip the BD using MakeMKV and HandBrake, store it on my NAS, and stream it to any TV in my house. I'm also not forced to use my AppleTV since the DRM is removed...I can stream it to my Oppo BD player, any computer, my iPad, my WD TV live, etc. I can also custom compress the video for use on my iPad or iPhone so the quality is great yet it doesn't take up too much space. Plus, I like having the physical media and on my home theater projector the quality of BD can't be beat.

Really Blu-Ray+(iTunes)Digital Copy is what needs to replace DVDs. And I feel like with that combo, they can. Otherwise, it's neither cost-effective nor universal enough (Thanks for no Blu-Ray Apple.).

[bflowers]

Digital content is all fine and dandy, but you have to make trade offs. Sure, I could get the HD content, but then I need a bigger HDD to store it all, and I need to start worrying about my ISP hitting me with a monthly bandwidth cap. That isn't a problem with DVDs and BRs that I can buy, rent or check out at the library!

[turtlez]

If i used optical media a lot these days I would actually prefer the external drive. I think aesthetically it would look more beautiful having it detached from the iMac. Something about that slot in the side was a turn off in design for me. Having a mac mini like box sitting beside your iMac looks more reliable, sturdy and adds some interest to your workspace.

[kjdean]

Solution
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5287

[vrocket]

Just another item missing and you have to pay extra for. Use to be we had floppy disc and to play a disc needed a aux. add on. I have used apple for years. Now they just keep nickel and dimeing the consumer with everything

[PavlovianDrool]

Originally Posted by kjdean

Solution
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5287

Okay that is awesome. No need to buy an additional drive after all. Brilliant solution.

[mrmarts]

Hey guys

When i come to get a new iMac i want to get a external blu ray drive which lets me play my DVDs and blu rays and burn my data what is the best one out there for mac and can you get any that is slot loading.

[steve119]

I've said this before, but until the price of digital content comes down in price then I will keep using blurays and the extra content you get with them. Why pay for digital copy's when you can have the physical disk in your hands for the same price?

[NYY FaN]

I have an external dvd drive made by dell and it works perfectly.. no need to get an apple branded drive.