Asus LITE
Score: 70/100
Verbatim Slimline
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Verbatim Slimline CD/DVD Drive is an ultra-portable external optical drive offering M-Disc support and fast 24× CD/8× DVD write speeds. Its cheap plastic housing and noisy operation, plus the need for two USB ports for power, limit its premium feel. Ideal for laptop users needing occasional disc access and archival capability.
The ASUS SDRW-08D2S-U Lite is a slim, bus-powered external DVD writer offering 24× CD and 8× DVD write speeds with plug-and-play USB 2.0 connectivity. Its lightweight design and optional stand make it highly portable, but the thin housing feels fragile and the USB cable is short. Best suited for laptop users needing occasional disc burning.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
24 xbest | 24 xbest | |
8 xbest | 8 xbest | |
24 xbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 45 gbest | 218 g |
| ↓ lower better | — | 16 mmbest |
— | 2 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Features(1) | ||
Supported Media | Double-layer DVD, DVD-RAM | CD/DVD/M-Disc |
Power(1) | ||
Power Source | Bus-powered (USB) | USB 2.0 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 45 g | 218 g |
General(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X 10.5+ | Windows, Mac |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the ASUS SDRW-08D2S-U Lite for its budget-friendly pricing, fast 8× DVD and 24× CD write speeds, and eye-catching diamond-cut lattice finish. They note its bus-powered USB 2.0 design makes it perfect for netbooks and Macs, and they cite several design awards that highlight its fashion-forward styling.
Everyday users overwhelmingly commend the drive's instant plug-and-play operation, reliable reading of older media, and compact, attractive design. Common praise centers on its ease of use, included software, and the optional stand, while recurring complaints focus on its fragile feel, short cable, and the need to steady the unit when using the eject button.
Professional reviewers commend the Verbatim Slimline CD/DVD Writer for its ultra-portable form factor, true plug-and-play operation, and support for M-Disc archival media, describing it as a reliable, budget-friendly solution for occasional optical disc tasks. The main criticisms focus on audible noise, a cheap-looking plastic chassis, occasional mechanical quirks, and the absence of integrated DVD playback software.
Everyday users overwhelmingly value the drive's simplicity, portability, and driver-free setup, often highlighting its usefulness for backing up legacy media and occasional disc burning. Recurring complaints center on noise, a flimsy feel, occasional tray or cable issues, and the need for extra software to play DVD movies.
“Plug in and works instantly”
“perfect for laptops without drives”
“compact and pretty”
