Superdrive A1379 (external) with MacBook Pro Early 2011 Compatibility

[moonlightsailor]

Hi. I'm trying to get my computer to recognize a Superdrive A1379 with MacBook Pro Early 2011. I have removed the internal Superdrive and replaced it with a SSD in the same space with an enclosure.

I'm trying to get a Superdrive working so that I can put all my CD's on my laptop digitally.

Are they any workarounds that I don't know about that can get my MacBook Pro to work with the external Superdrive?

If there isn't a workaround for this Superdrive, what are my other options for an external drive for moving music from CD's?

Thanks!

Matt

 

[chscag]

The Apple Superdrive model A1379 is only compatible with the following:

System Requirements
Compatible with the following computers:

MacBook*

MacBook Air with Retina display*

MacBook Pro with Retina display*

MacBook Air

iMac (late 2012) and later

Mac mini (late 2009) and later

Mac Pro (late 2013)

As you can see, your 2011 Early MBP does not qualify; primarily because it was already equipped with an Optical drive before you removed it.

However, just about any other USB external Optical drive should work: Samsung, LG, etc. Check with Amazon.com.

 

[pigoo3]

Hi. I'm trying to get my computer to recognize a Superdrive A1379 with MacBook Pro Early 2011. I have removed the internal Superdrive and replaced it with a SSD in the same space with an enclosure.

I'm trying to get a Superdrive working so that I can put all my CD's on my laptop digitally.

Are they any workarounds that I don't know about that can get my MacBook Pro to work with the external Superdrive?

Like chscag mentioned...the Apple external Superdrives were specifically designed to ONLY to work with Apple portable computers that didn't originally come with a builtin optical drive.

If there isn't a workaround for this Superdrive, what are my other options for an external drive for moving music from CD's?

Lots & lots of options. Just about any non-Apple USB based external optical drive will work. Shop around...find the best price on something you like...and you're good to go.

- Nick

 

[ferrarr]

If the internal superdrive was still working, they used to make external USB enclosures for it.

 

[pigoo3]

Over at newegg.com...there are several external optical drives available for under $15...least expensive is $12.09:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4UB7H91618

I know my wife purchased an external optical drive about a month ago for $14...and it works great.

- Nick

 

[dtravis7]

This looks good. I read some reviews. Seems fine.

Lite-On EBAU108 External DVD-Writer - Black - Newegg.com

 

[MacInWin]

If the internal superdrive was still working, they used to make external USB enclosures for it.

True, Bob, but they won't work with Macs that previously had a SD internally. Something in the OS knows and blocks it working.

 

[ferrarr]

True, Bob, but they won't work with Macs that previously had a SD internally. Something in the OS knows and blocks it working.

Yes, they do. When I had my 2011 MBP, I did it. Well, it worked up to El Capitan, I now that.

And I'm still using the enclosure with a used superdrive I purchased through eBay, with my 2014 mini.

I believe it has more to do with something in the Apple USB Super Drive?

 

[MacInWin]

Well, I still have a 2011 MBP and removed the SD, put it in an enclosure and it would NOT play DVDs at all. Totally unrecognized. Maybe if you just use it a a data for CDs it would work, but not as a SD.

 

[ferrarr]

No, mine was fully functional (and still is), for both CD's & DVD's, reading and writing.

 

[dtravis7]

Jake is right though as I have seen it happen with people way back here on the forums and it did it with one I tried also.

It seems to depend on the Mac you are using and probably the version of the OS also.

Agreed the Apple USB Superdrive is very touchy and only works on the models I believe Charley posted above.