Your thoughts on the removal of optical drives.

[bobr1952]

I am happy that my current computer has an optical drive only because I am going to finally start my project to put all my CDs onto an external drive. I wasn't going to do it but I realized the choice was to do it or just let all my CDs collect dust since I never play them. But once that is done, I'll be happy to move on without an optical drive in my next computer.

 

[mrsir2009]

Save your crap on hard drives, not DVDs. You'll be able to store a lot more and have much more flexible storage. Saving files en masse on DVDs for storage in 2011 is just stupid. A waste of money.

I only burn software onto DVDs when I lend it to random people. Because if I don't get it back (which is likely) I've got another dozen blank DVDs in my drawer... And they only cost 90cents or something each. I don't want to give out a $20 flash drive and not get it back!

But other than that I just store stuff on flash drives and my massive old fashioned external HDD. You can add and remove software too (unlike DVDs).

 

[Hans Brix]

I'd gladly remove mine in exchange for an extended battery.

 

[ender land]

I use mine frequently enough that it would be an inconvienience to not have.

Major? no.

Enough to make me not want the benefits? also no. I'll probably upgrade my cd drive to an opti-bay at some point as while I do use the cd drive often it is not normally for something which is "urgent" and could probably be done at home in 99% of cases.

 

[Michael383]

My thoughts on the removal of optical drives. I came of age with casettes and CD's. Went on to DVD's.

Personally I like the optical drive on my MBP. Even though I don't use it much I'm glad it's there.

Many people still use the optical drive though.

 

[pagansoul]

I tend to use flash drives and portable HDs but I still rip my CDs and DVDs using a Portable DVD drive mostly for extra backup of MP3 files. I don't use the drive on my MacBookPro much and would rather have a better battery and more USB ports. Does anyone use Zip Drives anymore? Floppy Disk? Cassettes? VHS? I know CDs and DVDs are on their way out but I have plenty of 20 year old CDs that work fine, many HDs only have a 5 year life. I don't know how long flash drives suppose to last.

 

[mrsir2009]

DVDs suck under heavy usage. DVDs that I've watched countless times on my TV are starting to break in the centre from the DVD player gripping them...

 

[thermodynamic]

What's everyone's views on computer manufacturers churning more and more computers without optical drives?
Are CD/DVDs on their way out or do they still have plenty of life left in them?
Does the fraction of an inch shaved off because of the lack of a drive make up for it?
Would you ever buy a computer without an optical drive?

Discuss.

If it came with a drive, I don't care if it's internal or not. Or if the cost of the drive were deduced from the price (the $60 or whatever), fine. Pass the savings down or don't leave the customer in a lurch.

But Logic Studio alone has 8 DVDs. (Why not 1 Blu-Ray for example).

Optical media still has a place, especially for professional applications and broadband internet is still too expensive for many. Especially when OS and app updates are downloaded (Mac or Windows, it's effectively going to be big at times.)

Not to mention movies; a compressed streaming video will not have the same large color gamut and sharpness that a blu-ray will have. Not for a while yet... eventually, it might, but renting titles for $5 per viewing may or may not be nice if the internet connection goes down. I still like having tangible products to purchase, but I see a time where my mindset can change just as quickly re: that issue.