Background and Identification
An optical drive is a device that can read data from an optical disc such as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc. Apple released multiple external optical drives which can read CDs and DVDs, but they never sold—and likely never will sell—a Blu-ray capable reader.
The first optical drive from Apple was branded as the “AppleCD” and released in 1988. The original model, called the AppleCD SC, can read CD-ROMs and output the data via two SCSI ports on the back of the device. The drive also supports playing CD audio and can output stereo audio from two RCA jacks on the rear. CDs have to be placed into a CD caddy before they can be inserted into the AppleCD SC. This drive is decked out in a beige plastic case with small grooves running along its length.
Apple updated the drive in 1991, with the new version branded as the AppleCD SC Plus along with several other names like the 150, 300, 300e, 300e Plus, and 600e Plus. The new drives usually have a white case and some use a tray-loading mechanism.
In 1993, Apple released the PowerCD, a new drive that could be powered entirely by batteries. Like the previous drives, the PowerCD can transfer data using a SCSI connection or play an audio CD. The device came with a remote, and it can be used with a stand which holds it up at 45 degrees. The PowerCD is built with a black plastic case and a circular cover over the CD loading bay.
Since the original MacBook Air, introduced in 2008, did not feature a built-in optical drive, Apple released an external USB powered drive called the “USB SuperDrive.” This slim drive connects to a computer’s USB-A port and can read and write both CDs and DVDs. The device cannot easily use miniCDs or miniDVDs. Like all other Apple drives, the USB SuperDrive cannot play Blu-ray discs. The drive is made of aluminum and has a slim, square form factor.
Additional Information
Apple USB SuperDrive product page