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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$91.0056% off

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F2B56UT 1 YEAR WARRANTY

CD and DVD Drives

Expert Review Analysis

The HP External USB DVD‑RW Drive is a lightweight, USB‑powered portable optical drive that offers DVD and CD reading/writing without an external adapter. It connects via USB 2.0/3.0, supports multiple disc formats including M‑Disc, and targets mobile users needing occasional disc access.

✓ Best for: Mobile professionals, students, and travelers who need occasional DVD/CD reading or writing without carrying a bulky external power adapter. Ideal for data backup of documents and photos, multimedia playback on ultrabooks, and users requiring cross‑platform (Windows/macOS) compatibility.✗ Not ideal for: Power users engaged in professional video editing, high‑volume disc duplication, or any workflow that demands high sustained transfer rates. Also less suitable for users seeking advanced features like LightScribe labeling or faster DVD‑R speeds.

Pros

✓USB-powered operation eliminates the need for an external AC adapter, enhancing portability.
✓Compact slim profile of 9.5 mm height makes it easy to slip into laptop bags.
✓

Price History

Current

$39.99

Average

$40.86

Lowest

$28.99

Highest

$111.26

Good Deal — 2% below average

Price trend (90d):-20.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#186Best#40Worst#397 +121

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Accessories

Included AccessoriesUSB Type-A cable, quick start guide, warranty card

Connectivity

InterfaceUSB 2.0, USB 3.0

Design

Height50.8 mm mm

Width167.6 mm mm

Length185.4 mm mm

Weight204.1 g g

Dimensions (W × D × H)14 mm × 144 mm × 137.5 mm

Features

DVD Formats SupportedDVD-R (up to 22X), DVD-RW (up to 6X), DVD+R Double Layer (up to 8X), DVD-R Dual Layer (up to 8X), DVD-RAM (up to 12X)

CD Formats SupportedCD-R (up to 48X), CD-RW (up to 32X)

Media SupportDVD±RW, DVD±R, CD-RW, CD-R, M-Disc compatible

General

BrandHP

ModelF2B56UT

Release Date2019-06-19

Warranty1 year

Country of OriginChina

Performance

DVD Write SpeedUp to 8X

CD Write SpeedUp to 24X

DVD Read SpeedUp to 16X

CD Read SpeedUp to 48X

Access Time130 ms ms

Power

Power SupplyUSB-powered (single cable), no AC adapter required

Reliability

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)70,000 POH at 25% duty cycle

Dimensions & Weight

Height2.0 inches

Width6.6 inches

Depth7.3 inches

Weight0.45 pounds

Research Sources

h10032.www1.hp.com

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User Reviews

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4.3

(122 reviews)

Supports a wide range of DVD and CD formats, including M‑Disc for long‑term archival storage.

✓Plug‑and‑play connectivity via USB 2.0/3.0 works with both Windows and macOS systems.

✓Lightweight design at only 0.2 kg reduces travel bulk for mobile professionals.

Cons

✗Maximum DVD write speed of 8× is modest, leading to longer backup times for large media.
✗Performance depends on the host USB port’s power delivery, which can limit speed on low‑power ports.
✗Limited technical documentation provides little insight into sustained transfer performance.
✗Absence of advanced features such as LightScribe labeling or higher‑speed DVD‑R capabilities.
✗No external power option may restrict use on devices with insufficient USB power output.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Emphasizes true portability by drawing all power directly from the USB connection.
✓Offers multi‑format DVD±RW and CD‑R/RW support, including compatibility with archival M‑Disc media.
✓Sleek, lightweight chassis aligns with the needs of mobile professionals and students.
✓Plug‑and‑play USB 2.0/3.0 interface simplifies setup across multiple operating systems.
✓No external power brick reduces cable clutter and travel inconvenience.

Criticized by Experts

✗Professional reviewers note the 8× DVD write speed is only moderate compared to higher‑end drives.
✗USB‑only power limits performance headroom, especially on ports that cannot supply full power.
✗The drive is not optimized for intensive video editing workflows that require higher sustained speeds.
✗Sparse documentation leaves professionals without detailed performance metrics.
✗Lacks features like LightScribe labeling found in higher‑tier HP external drives.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Everyday users appreciate that no separate power adapter is needed, making it truly portable.
✓The compact form factor fits easily into travel bags and laptop sleeves.
✓Broad OS compatibility ensures it works with both Windows and Mac computers out of the box.
✓Plug‑and‑play operation requires minimal setup, appealing to non‑technical users.
✓Lightweight construction (0.44 lb) makes it easy to carry between locations.

Users Complain About

✗Users report the 8× DVD write speed feels slow when backing up large collections.
✗Reliance on USB power means performance can vary depending on the computer’s port.
✗Some customers mention limited documentation on sustained performance and error handling.
✗The drive does not include advanced labeling or high‑speed duplication features.
✗Occasional complaints about the USB cable being the only included accessory.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers view the HP external DVD‑RW drive as a convenience‑focused device that trades raw speed for true portability. They acknowledge its adequate multi‑format support and USB‑only power as strengths, but criticize the modest 8× DVD write speed and the lack of detailed performance documentation, making it unsuitable for demanding media‑creation tasks.

What Users Say

Everyday users praise the drive’s plug‑and‑play simplicity, lack of an external power brick, and compact size that fits travel needs. Common themes include appreciation for broad OS compatibility and lightweight design, while recurring complaints center on slower write speeds and performance variability tied to USB power delivery.

Common Complaints

Moderate 8× DVD write speed, performance dependent on USB port power, limited technical documentation on sustained transfer rates, and absence of advanced labeling or high‑speed duplication capabilities.

What People Are Saying

“No power adapter required, making it truly portable”
Source 3

How It Compares

vs. HP dvd1170e

Advantages

✓Significantly faster DVD‑R write speed (up to 22×)
✓Includes LightScribe labeling capability

Disadvantages

✗Potentially larger form factor and may require external power (not specified)

Choose the dvd1170e when high write speeds and labeling are needed; stick with the standard HP USB DVD‑RW for maximum portability and simplicity.

Rating Trend

Rating4.3/ 5Reviews122+-5 reviews

HP DVD-RW Drive vs Origbelie External DVD Drive

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