MacMini USB options for external Blu-Ray / DVDRW

[Cybermenace]

Hi folks, I am going to purchasing an used MacMini from a user on another site but I will also require a blu-ray/dvdrw to go with this at some point,

Do people have any recommendations for this? As the apple super drive doesn't come with Bly-Ray and has terrible reviews I don't want to buy something that's just worth throwing away.

Cheers
Billy

 

[Fishrrman]

This is the one I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SE-506BB-TSBD-External-Blu-ray/dp/B00AO1XFM0

Works very well (although to date I've only burned CDs and DVDs, no Blurays).

Requires only a single USB cable to the Mac (some burners use a "Y" cable that takes 2 ports on the computer).

Here's a review (granted, it's 3 years old):
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2402405,00.asp

One limitation:
The Samsung drive doesn't do "M-DISC" discs.
There are others that do.

 

[FriendlyMackle]

Hi folks, I am going to purchasing an used MacMini from a user on another site but I will also require a blu-ray/dvdrw to go with this at some point,

Do people have any recommendations for this? As the apple super drive doesn't come with Bly-Ray and has terrible reviews I don't want to buy something that's just worth throwing away.

Cheers
Billy

I purchased on Amazon an external USB3 dvd/blu-ray writer/player. It's a nice aluminum case housing a Panasonic external blu-ray writer (Panasonic blu-rays being considered one of the best manufacturers). I have the slot-loading version, because I like the lack of a flimsy plastic tray (breakable, prone to problems).

It has worked very well for me with two different Macs (iMac 2013, and R-MBP 2013). The particular model which I purchased was by Archgon (but there are many other producers which house the same Panasonic drive). I've had it for over a year now without any problems. My model: http://www.amazon.com/Archgon-Slot-loading-Aluminum-MD-3102G-U3-K-Cyberlink/dp/B00E5ZUUJC

 

[Cybermenace]

Thanks for your reply I appreciate the time and links you've added,

I will see if I can find these products on the Amazon UK site

 

[FriendlyMackle]

Thanks for your reply I appreciate the time and links you've added,

I will see if I can find these products on the Amazon UK site

You are very welcome! Note that it does have the "Y" cable -- but that is only needed if plugging in to USB2. I just use the cable and only plug in the "main" plug (and leave the second one free). I actually think this is good to have - so if whatever you're connected to needs more power, you then connect the second input.
I'm sure there's this model or something close to it on the UK site. Good luck!