Do You Need an External CD or DVD Drive for Your Computer?
While in the past almost all laptops came with a built-in CD or DVD drive, some newer models do not. The reason this exclusion is due to the downturn in CD and DVD use, since we have new ways of storing different kinds of data, files, music, and video such as USBs, clouds, and HDDs. Since you may still need to access CDs or DVDs but may not have access to the internet, you can find an external reader that plugs into your computer, so you can play back, and there are also writers available too from HP. You can also use a drive with older laptop or computer models if you need access to Blu-ray or DVDs and your current device does not allow for it.
What Kind of Drives are There?
- CD drive: A CD drive allows you to play CDs if you don't have a CD drive already in your computer. A drive should play audio CDs plus read CD-R and CD-RW discs.
- DVD drive: A DVD drive is similar to a DVD drive but reads DVDs. You may find that a DVD drive will also read CDs as well.
- CD writer: A CD writer will burn CDs for you from a computer. This is useful if you want to copy music, photos, or files onto a CD.
- DVD writer: A DVD writer will write onto DVDs. You can copy movies and video.
- Blu-ray burner/writer: You can use a Blu-ray burner/writer to burn and play Blu-ray discs, as well as DVDs and CDs.
What are the Benefits of Having an External Drive?
An external drive helps you out when your current laptop or computer does not have the capabilities that you need.
- Easy to use: These kinds of devices simply plug into your computer, and once formatted with the right driver installed, are ready to use straight away.
- Portable: Drives are small and compact, so you can easily fit one into a laptop bag, purse, or briefcase to take anywhere with you.
- Saves money: Instead of having to shell out more cash for a new laptop when you decide that you want to burn or write discs because your current one does not have the ability, you can use a drive. A Blu-ray burner/writer drive from HP is a good choice as it not only burns Blu-ray discs, but you can also use it for DVDs and CDs.