Dell DW316
Score: 73/100
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 Dell DW316 is a lightweight, tray-loading external DVD drive with USB 2.0 plug-and-play and M-DISC archival support. It offers solid build quality and a high MTBF, but its USB 2.0 interface and modest buffer limit burn speeds. Suited for Dell laptop owners who need reliable CD/DVD access with M-DISC capability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
24 xbest | 24 xbest | |
8 xbest | 8 xbest | |
24 xbest | — | |
8 xbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 8 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 200 gbest | 218 g |
| ↓ lower better | 14 mmbest | 16 mm |
1 years | 2 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Features(1) | ||
Supported Media | CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM (SL/DL), DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, DVD-RAM, M-DISC (DVD+R SL), CD Extra, CD-DA, CD-I, CD-ROM XA, Photo CD, Video CD, DVD-V | CD/DVD/M-Disc |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 200 g | 218 g |
Thickness (mm) | 14 mm | 16 mm |
General(2) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Operating System Compatibility | Windows 7/8/8.1/10 | Windows, Mac |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and Dell's own marketing material present the DW316 as a dependable, plug-and-play external drive that meets the baseline performance expectations for CD/DVD media. They commend its Dell-specific compatibility, inclusion of M-DISC support, and the bundled CyberLink software, while noting the lack of a USB 3.0 interface and the modest buffer size as drawbacks compared with competing models.
Everyday users generally praise the drive's portability, ease of setup and ability to handle legacy media on modern laptops. Positive comments focus on the slim form factor and M-DISC capability, whereas recurring criticisms revolve around slower USB 2.0 speeds and the limited buffer affecting burn times.
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 and Play disc burning solution for USB ports”
“Works great, simple to use, no drivers required, good solid construction, slim for portability”
“Great for MacBooks, no drops or errors”
