Apple SuperDrive for iMac M3 Desktop

We are close to buying Mrs AJ a new M3 iMac and I am looking at this one that costs about the same as a new SuperDrive:

OWC Mercury Pro 24X Super-Multi DVD/CD Burner/Reader External Optical Drive with M-DISC Support

In general, tray-loading opticals drives have been more reliable the slot-loading types. This form factor's big advantage over the SuperDrive is that it is self-powered—comes with an independent power supply. It is also USB-3 so much faster.

The combined power/data cable on the SuperDrive is integral and cannot be replaced if the cat chews a hole in it. If that happens, you get to buy a new Superdrive. In the OWC I linked and other similar form factors, the separate power and data cables are standard items and inexpensively replaced without relegating the entire drive to the bin.

Do you already own a SuperDrive?

I agree with jeffrey in that, based on reports here, the Apple SuperDrive may be problematic on newer Macs. The SD is a dinosaur in computer years, having not been updated since Summer 2012. It is a slow USB 2 and, in addition, is powered only by the computer's USB ports. That has caused low-power issues on newer macs.

Note the fine print in the "Eject" section of this Apple's article:

How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple Support

The SD is not happy with docks or hubs.

To add Jeffrey's very valid concern re: third-party adapters, I have also seen reports here that only the three Apple-branded adapters listed in that article are 100% reliable with the SuperDrive.

If you have NOT yet bought a SuperDrive, post back and we can offer some suggestions for faster and more reliable products now available for the same money.

My Apple SD works fine with my M1 MBA using a USB-A to USB-C adapter connected directly to my Mac. Also my Samsung DVD drive works fine.

Cheers Allan. I was thinking of getting a new external optical drive for my M3 iMac, now that I have lost access to my old Firewire drive, and was mulling over the same problem of whether or not to get the increasingly out of date Apple Superdrive, or another one. The link to the Mercury Pro drive has given me a different target to aim for, although it has to be said here in Australia it costs around Au$250 / US$165 so I think I'll be going without for the time being. In fact, I have to ask myself why I need one at all and I have to admit that I can do without it, certainly at that price.

Mrs. AJ will love her new iMac, as do I. As I've said elsewhere, the supreme tech question to answer in getting it is the choice of colour.

you can use an USB-C to USB Adapter. some third party adapters work, but it is a craps shoot as to wether or not they will work.

It’ll work with Apple’s USB-c to USB-adapter Over de Apple USB-C-naar-USB-adapter - Apple Support (NL)

if you would like to shop for other options, I would recommend OWC. their main focus is Mac compatible hardware.

OWC DVD / CD / Blu-ray drives