Apple SuperDrive and USB Hub

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Level 4

1,166 points

Apple SuperDrive and USB Hub

So I treated myself a couple of months ago and got a USB SuperDrive, just in case Apple decides to delete them from its line up. Been using a Samsung DVD burner for over 8 years, got it for my late 2012 iMac in early 2013, it still works, the DVD not my iMac. It died a few weeks back with power supply and main board issues.

Got myself a M1 MacBook Pro to hold me over until my spec'ed out new M1 iMac arrives. Anyway plugged in the Apple SuperDrive into the exact same powered USB hub I've been using for the Samsung and nothing, won't take a DVD. Plugged in the Samsung and its still working as it should.

Tried it on another MacBook Pro and works fine, will test it on my new M1 iMac when it arrives.

Its a shame this nice looking SuperDrive doesn't work as it should, guess I'll stick with my plastic tray load Samsung DVD on my nice new M1 iMac.

Posted on Jul 12, 2021 4:43 PM

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Answer 1

DiZoE

Level 4

2,991 points

Jul 12, 2021 9:29 PM in response to Craig Best

Sorry man, it’s been a long while since I’ve used a SuperDrive myself.

Some info does conflict though, as in:

How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202665

Although many M1 Macs are not on the compatible list, other than the Mini, this article states it should work with any Mac 2008 and later, which of course are all the new M1 Macs. Of course with TB3/USB-C, those are the adapters recommended to work, which are pretty standard, wish I could test it now, but don’t have a super drive and still saving $$$ to get a newer Mac model. Let me know how it goes!

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Answer 2

DiZoE

Level 4

2,991 points

Jul 12, 2021 7:26 PM in response to Craig Best

Hey there!

From what I see, as far as the specs:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD564LL/A/apple-usb-superdrive

To the newer Mac models, support for Super Drive is limited.

Hope that’s not the case for you, but this is what I found on it.

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Answer 3

Craig Best Author

Level 4

1,166 points

Jul 12, 2021 9:10 PM in response to DiZoE

Basically my late 2012 27" iMac died, I got a M1 MacBook Pro which slotted right in plugging into my USB hubs and everything works, including the 8yo Samsung DVD. I bought the Apple SuperDrive on a whim, wanting one before Apple stops selling them. Didn't try it on the old iMac.

Just ran some tests on my set up and the SuperDrive does work with the M1 MacBook Pro but only if connected directly to the USB C port, tried severs USB Hubs and nothing, on one it gave a warning about needing power on another powered Hub it did nothing, no warning and would not take a DVD.

So it looks like this is good for those who need a DVD but only if you can connect it directly to the Mac. Looks like my 8yo Samsung DVD will have to soldier on. Maybe I should paint it to match my new M1 iMac?

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Answer 4

Jul 26, 2021 5:33 PM in response to Craig Best

my experience with this "Super"Drive: shambling disaster. Endless problems with several DVDs - each one pristine, some opened for the first time:

freeze on disk-insert. Wait about 60-90 seconds then is starts loading
freeze just as the first frame is rendered. Wait 1-2 minutes
menu screen shows. Click on something. Freeze interminably. Can't even get the disk out

Getting the disk out:

unplug the "Super"Drive
start Disk Utility
plug in superdrive and then race your reflexes & wits against the Dumbo-Drive to try and eject before the DVD (y'know - the thing you're trying to watch) wrests control away from you and starts the freeze-cycle all over again.

is this a hardware problem, or a firmware problem, or is it Big Sur (which is an absolute d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r. My 2018 Mac performs worse with big sur than a 2015 Powerbook I had from 2015 to 2017.

Having a hard time deciding which enrages me more - Windows AlwayUpdating-10-Disaster, or the millstone that all things Apple have become.

Wondering if I have to just accept the shabby UX that Linux gives so I can stay away from the 2 companies that destroy my bloodpressure more than the rest of the work combined.

Outraged and enraged. Don't see a light at the end of this tunnel

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Answer 5

Jul 12, 2021 5:39 PM in response to Craig Best

I am a professional IT worker with 35+ years experience and I barely remember the last time I touched a CD/DVD/BluRay disc. I think it was about ten years ago when I finished ripping all the discs I had and put them into a box in storage. I've got an early USB SuperDrive and a TEAC USB 3.5" floppy drive collecting dust in a cabinet with a spindle of DVD-RW's and a couple boxes of floppies. Where's my data? Scattered across a few NAS boxes, cloud backups, some external drives.

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Answer 6

Craig Best Author

Level 4

1,166 points

Jul 12, 2021 10:20 PM in response to DiZoE

I tested the Apple SuperDrive, works on the M1 MacBook Pro but only if its connected directly to the USB C. Annoying my 8yo Samsung DVD works fine though the power USB 2 hub I've been using for years, slow but steady LOL.

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Answer 7

DiZoE

Level 4

2,991 points

Jul 12, 2021 10:35 PM in response to Craig Best

👍 Good to know, thanks! In the end, if it works, it works, despite a hiccup, so good to hear!

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Answer 8

Craig Best Author

Level 4

1,166 points

Jul 12, 2021 11:26 PM in response to DiZoE

The problem is given the limited ports on the new iMac, 4 at most, having one just for DVD is a waste. Its even worse on my M1 MBP with just 1 port after I plug in the power.

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