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HP DVD-RW Drive — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home CD and DVD DrivesHP DVD-RW Drive

HP DVD-RW Drive — image 1

HP

HP DVD-RW Drive

$39.99

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F2B56AABlack1 This product is backed by a 90-day limited warranty covering manufacturing defect, and may arrive in a generic brown box. Please contact us for further details.

CD and DVD Drives

Expert Review Analysis

The HP External USB DVDRW Drive (F2B56AA) is a compact, bus-powered external DVD writer offering up to 8× DVD and 24× CD write speeds. It connects via USB 2.0, works with a wide range of Windows and Mac OS versions, and includes basic plug‑and‑play functionality without an external power adapter.

✓ Best for: Users who need a simple, portable optical drive for laptops without built‑in DVD hardware, such as business travelers, students, or Chromebook owners needing to read/write CDs and DVDs, create backups, or access legacy media up to 8.5 GB.✗ Not ideal for: Customers requiring high‑speed data transfers, large video file backups, or the latest USB 3.0 performance will find the drive insufficient due to its slower USB 2.0 interface.

Pros

✓Compact and lightweight design with a height of only 9.5 mm, making it highly portable.
✓Bus-powered operation via a single USB cable eliminates the need for an external AC adapter.
✓

Price History

Current

$39.99

Average

$36.00

Lowest

$24.29

Highest

$49.99

Price trend (90d):+37.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#33Best#10Worst#129 -6

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Accessories

Included ItemsDrive, documentation

Connectivity

InterfaceUSB 2.0

Design

Height142 mm mm

Width15 mm mm

Length160 mm mm

Thickness9.5 mm mm

Weight8.5 g g

General

BrandHP

ManufacturerHewlett Packard Office

ModelF2B56AA

Release Date2020-06-08

Warranty90 days

Performance

Write Speed8x DVD, 24x CD

CPU RequirementPentium IV 2.4 GHz (recommended 3.2 GHz)

RAM Requirement256 MB MB

HDD Space Requirement20 GB GB

Video Memory Requirement64 MB MB

Power

Power TypeBus-powered (single USB cable)

Packaging

Package dimensions (W x D x H)40 x 169 x 188 mm

Package weight0.37 kg

Logistics

Pallet weight610 kg

Cartons per layer16

System Requirements

Minimum system requirementsPentium IV 2.4 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 20 GB HDD, 64 MB video

Dimensions & Weight

Height5.6 inches

Width0.6 inches

Depth6.3 inches

Weight0.01875 Pounds

Research Sources

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User Reviews

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4.4

(2,101 reviews)

Supports up to 8× DVD and 24× CD write speeds, including dual‑layer DVD recording up to 8.5 GB.

✓Plug‑and‑play USB 2.0 connectivity works with Windows 11 down to XP and Mac OS X without additional drivers.

Cons

✗Only USB 2.0 interface results in slower data transfer rates compared to newer USB 3.0 external drives.
✗Some units are shipped without startup instructions, causing confusion for first‑time users.
✗Older model design may lack modern features such as hardware acceleration or higher DVD write speed options.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Professional reviewers highlight its ultra‑space‑saving 9.5 mm height and sleek silver finish as a standout for portable use.
✓Described as a compact, sleek, and fast drive that delivers immediate USB connectivity for optical media on laptops and Chromebooks.
✓Buffer underrun protection is praised for ensuring error‑free recording on both CDs and DVDs.

Criticized by Experts

✗Critics note the drive uses an older USB 2.0 interface, making it slower than contemporary USB 3.0 alternatives.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Customers repeatedly mention the ease of plug‑and‑play setup with no extra software required, simplifying everyday use.
✓The small and lightweight form factor is praised for fitting easily into laptop bags and travel kits.
✓Users report reliable reading and writing performance on modern operating systems, including Windows 11 and macOS.
✓Positive feedback notes the drive works seamlessly with HP Pavilion x360 laptops and Chromebooks via USB ports.

Users Complain About

✗A few users report that the package does not include startup instructions, leading to initial setup uncertainty.
✗The lack of USB 3.0 means slower transfer speeds, which some users find limiting for large video files.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers commend the HP F2B56AA for its ultra‑slim 9.5 mm profile, sleek silver finish, and reliable buffer‑underrun protection, positioning it as a convenient portable optical drive. However, they criticize its reliance on the older USB 2.0 standard, which limits transfer speeds compared to newer USB 3.0 competitors.

What Users Say

Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the drive’s plug‑and‑play simplicity, lightweight portability, and dependable performance across Windows and macOS platforms. The most common complaints revolve around missing startup instructions and the slower USB 2.0 interface, though these issues do not dominate the overall positive sentiment.

Common Complaints

Missing startup instructions in some units and slower transfer speeds caused by the USB 2.0 interface are the most frequently reported issues.

What People Are Saying

“plug and play, no additional software needed”
5/5 ★User ReviewNov 2025

How It Compares

vs. LG USB 3.0 Slim External DVD Writer

Advantages

✓Faster USB 3.0 interface provides higher data transfer rates.

Disadvantages

✗Typically slightly heavier and may have a larger height profile.

Choose the LG model if speed is a priority; choose HP for ultra‑slim height and lower cost.

vs. Pioneer Slim External DVD Writer

Advantages

✓Often offers higher DVD write speed options (up to 16×).

Disadvantages

✗May lack the same ultra‑compact 9.5 mm height of the HP drive.

Pioneer is better for users needing faster DVD burns, while HP excels for those valuing the thinnest possible form factor.

Rating Trend

Rating4.4/ 5Reviews2,104+299 reviews -0.19