While Blu-ray players may be entrenched in the home theatre and on higher-end laptops, many desktop computers still do not come with a Blu-ray drive as a standard option.
Fortunately, ASUS has a simple solution in their external Blu-ray combo drive. The “combo” means that it can read Blu-ray discs and write to CD/DVDs.
Setting up the drive couldn’t be easier since it uses USB (although you will need two free ports). After plugging it in, Windows 7 immediately recognized the drive and I was ready to go. ASUS also includes a disc with some software that will help copy & watch Blu-ray discs.
The unit comes with a detachable stand and looks great in action – it glows blue while in use (though you can turn this off in the included software).
Verdict: Lightweight and stylish, the ASUS SBC-06D1S-U combo Blu-ray drive is an easy to use Blu-ray device for computers not equipped with one out of the box. Suggested retail price is $205.00.
Update: Commenter JoeK pointed out that the drive will read but not write to Blu-ray discs but does both for CD/DVD.
Categories: Digital Video, Going Mobile, Hands On
It’ll be a good idea to give a price or at least aproximately price when reviewing a produc, otherwise it may look like advertising.
Thanks.
Thanks for catching that Frank – MSRP is $205.00 and the blog has been upated.
Checked the specs – it only reads blu-ray, it doesn’t write to blu-ray. It will write to DVD/CD though.
You are indeed correct Joe – my apologies for not being clear on that.
I have owne this since the beginning of August and it’s perfect for my new Business laptop who’s manufacturer wanted $600 for an integrated Blu-Ray player.
It’s slim, easy to travel since no brick power supply and if I need the extra usb port temporarily I can unplug 1 port and use it to sync my iphone then plug it back in when done.
The con is it doesn’t write Blu-Ray and the writing speed on DVDs and CDs is only 4x so it’s fairly slow by todays standards.