Are you a Mac user looking for a laptop with a CD drive? You’re not alone. While many of us have moved on to digital music and movie streaming, there are still plenty of reasons why you might need a CD drive on your laptop. Maybe you’re a music lover who still buys CDs, or perhaps you need to install software from a disc for work or school. Whatever your reason, you’re probably wondering which Mac laptops come with a CD drive.
A Brief History of CD Drives on Mac Laptops
To understand which Mac laptops have CD drives, it’s helpful to take a brief look at the history of CD drives on Mac laptops. Apple first introduced the CD drive on its laptops with the PowerBook 165c in 1993. The CD drive quickly became a standard feature on Mac laptops, and it remained that way for many years.
However, in 2008, Apple began to phase out the CD drive on its laptops. The first Mac laptop to ditch the CD drive was the MacBook Air, which was released in 2008. The MacBook Air was designed to be a lightweight, portable laptop, and the CD drive was seen as unnecessary weight.
Since then, Apple has continued to remove the CD drive from its laptops. Today, none of Apple’s current Mac laptops come with a CD drive. But, if you’re looking for a Mac laptop with a CD drive, there are still some older models that you can consider.
Mac Laptops with CD Drives
If you’re looking for a Mac laptop with a CD drive, here are some older models that you might want to consider:
MacBook Pro (Pre-2012)
The MacBook Pro is a popular choice among Mac users, and older models (pre-2012) come with a CD drive. The CD drive on these models is a SuperDrive, which can play and burn CDs and DVDs.
MacBook (Pre-2009)
The MacBook is another Mac laptop that used to come with a CD drive. Older models (pre-2009) have a CD drive, but it’s not a SuperDrive, so it can only play CDs, not DVDs.
MacBook Air (2008-2009)
The original MacBook Air, released in 2008, did not have a CD drive. However, the 2009 model had a CD drive, but it was only available as an external USB drive.
External CD Drives for Mac Laptops
If you have a newer Mac laptop without a CD drive, don’t worry. You can still use a CD drive with your laptop by purchasing an external CD drive. External CD drives are USB devices that connect to your laptop and allow you to play and burn CDs.
There are many external CD drives available on the market, but here are a few options to consider:
Apple USB SuperDrive
The Apple USB SuperDrive is a popular choice among Mac users. It’s a compact, USB-powered CD drive that can play and burn CDs and DVDs.
LG Ultra Slim Portable DVD Burner
The LG Ultra Slim Portable DVD Burner is another popular external CD drive. It’s a slim, lightweight device that can play and burn CDs and DVDs.
Alternatives to CD Drives
If you don’t need a CD drive, there are many alternatives available. Here are a few options:
Digital Music and Movie Streaming
One of the main reasons why CD drives are no longer necessary is the rise of digital music and movie streaming. Services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime allow you to stream movies and TV shows directly to your laptop.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox allow you to store and access your files from anywhere. This means you can access your files without needing a CD drive.
USB Flash Drives
USB flash drives are small, portable devices that allow you to store and transfer files. They’re a great alternative to CDs and can be used to install software or transfer files.
Conclusion
While none of Apple’s current Mac laptops come with a CD drive, there are still some older models that you can consider. If you have a newer Mac laptop without a CD drive, you can still use a CD drive by purchasing an external CD drive. Alternatively, you can consider alternatives to CD drives, such as digital music and movie streaming, cloud storage, and USB flash drives.
In conclusion, while the CD drive may be a thing of the past, there are still many options available for Mac users who need to use CDs. Whether you’re looking for an older Mac laptop with a CD drive or an external CD drive, there’s a solution out there for you.
| Mac Laptop Model | CD Drive |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro (Pre-2012) | SuperDrive (plays and burns CDs and DVDs) |
| MacBook (Pre-2009) | CD drive (plays CDs only) |
| MacBook Air (2008-2009) | External USB CD drive (optional) |
Note: The information in this article is accurate as of the knowledge cutoff date of 01 March 2023.
Which Mac laptop has a CD drive?
The last Mac laptop to feature a built-in CD drive was the 2012 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, as well as the 2012 17-inch MacBook Pro. However, these models are no longer available for purchase from Apple. If you’re looking for a Mac laptop with a CD drive, you may be able to find a refurbished or used model from a third-party seller.
It’s worth noting that Apple began phasing out CD drives from their laptops in 2012, in favor of digital distribution methods and cloud storage. As a result, most modern Mac laptops do not have a built-in CD drive. However, you can still use an external CD drive with your Mac laptop if you need to access CDs.
Can I use an external CD drive with my Mac laptop?
Yes, you can use an external CD drive with your Mac laptop. Apple offers a USB SuperDrive, which is a compact and portable CD drive that connects to your Mac via USB. You can also purchase third-party external CD drives from other manufacturers. These drives are usually plug-and-play, meaning you can simply connect them to your Mac and start using them.
When shopping for an external CD drive, make sure to check compatibility with your Mac laptop. Some drives may only work with certain models or operating systems. You should also consider the drive’s speed and features, such as the ability to burn CDs or DVDs.
What are the benefits of using an external CD drive?
Using an external CD drive offers several benefits. For one, it allows you to access CDs on a Mac laptop that doesn’t have a built-in CD drive. This can be useful if you need to install software from a CD, or if you want to listen to music from a CD. External CD drives are also often more compact and portable than built-in CD drives, making them easy to take on the go.
Another benefit of using an external CD drive is that it can be used with multiple devices. For example, you can use the same external CD drive with your Mac laptop and your desktop computer. This can be more convenient and cost-effective than having a separate CD drive for each device.
Can I install software from a CD on a Mac laptop without a CD drive?
Yes, you can install software from a CD on a Mac laptop without a CD drive. One option is to use an external CD drive, as mentioned earlier. Another option is to ask the software manufacturer if they offer a digital download version of the software. Many software companies offer digital downloads, which can be installed directly onto your Mac laptop without the need for a CD.
If the software manufacturer does not offer a digital download version, you may be able to find an alternative solution. For example, you could ask a friend or colleague if they have a Mac laptop with a CD drive, and ask them to install the software for you. You could also consider purchasing a different version of the software that is designed for digital download.
How do I rip CDs on a Mac laptop without a CD drive?
To rip CDs on a Mac laptop without a CD drive, you’ll need to use an external CD drive. Once you have an external CD drive, you can use the iTunes software that comes pre-installed on your Mac laptop to rip CDs. Simply insert the CD into the external drive, open iTunes, and select the “Import CD” option.
iTunes will then import the music from the CD into your iTunes library. You can also use other software, such as Audacity or Handbrake, to rip CDs on your Mac laptop. These programs offer more advanced features and options for ripping CDs, such as the ability to convert files to different formats.
Can I burn CDs on a Mac laptop without a CD drive?
Yes, you can burn CDs on a Mac laptop without a CD drive. To do so, you’ll need to use an external CD drive that has burning capabilities. Apple’s USB SuperDrive, for example, can be used to burn CDs on a Mac laptop. You’ll also need to use software that supports CD burning, such as iTunes or Disk Utility.
Once you have an external CD drive and the necessary software, you can burn CDs on your Mac laptop. Simply insert a blank CD into the external drive, open the software, and select the “Burn CD” option. The software will then guide you through the process of burning the CD.