USB SuperDrive compatible w/MacBook Air 2020?

[tuckerjudy]

I tried connecting my SuperDrive, model A1379, with my MacBook Air via a USB-C to my SuperDrive that uses USB-B. This is the first time using the hub that I wasn't able to get it to work. I get the popup "USB Accessory Needs Power, Connect Apple USB SuperDrive to a USB port on this Mac". Never has this problem with the old MacBook Air. Anything I can do or is the SuperDrive too out of date? Thanks!

 

[chscag]

If you're using a hub, tell us which one it is.

The Apple Superdrive Model A1379 has a USB-A female connection not USB-B. Do you have a new MacBook Air M1 machine? If so, you will need a USB-A to USB-C cable in order to connect the Superdrive to the MacBook Air.

Your old MacBook Air had USB-A ports, the new one has USB-C.

 

[tuckerjudy]

If you're using a hub, tell us which one it is.

The Apple Superdrive Model A1379 has a USB-A female connection not USB-B. Do you have a new MacBook Air M1 machine? If so, you will need a USB-A to USB-C cable in order to connect the Superdrive to the MacBook Air.

Your old MacBook Air had USB-A ports, the new one has USB-C.

Hmmm...I'm pretty sure that I have the model just before the newer M1.

I'm using an IOGEAR USB-C to a USB-A Hub.

 

[chscag]

If you have the Intel 2020 MacBook Air (retina model) then here are the connections it will take:

CONNECTIONS

Wi-Fi    802.11ac
Bluetooth    Bluetooth 5.0
USB    Thunderbolt ports support USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps)
Thunderbolt    2 - Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40 Gbps)
Display    Thunderbolt 3 digital video output
Infrared    None
Audio In    3 - Built-in microphones
Audio Out    1 - 3.5-mm headphone jack, 2 - Built-in speakers
Security Slot    None
EXPANSION

Slots    None
Bays    None
Hard Drive Interface    8.0 GT/s NVMe PCIe x4

As you can see, the Thunderbolt ports are Thunderbolt 3. That's also USB-C.

Again, your Apple Superdrive has a USB-A female connector which means you need to go from USB-A to USB-C. You can do that either from a Hub or direct to your MBA with the proper cable.

You could be hooking up something the wrong way which is why you're getting that message about the USB accessory needs power.

Try going direct from the Superdrive to your MBA using the proper cable. (USB-A to USB-C)

 

[tuckerjudy]

Here's a pic of my setup. Hope it's clear enough

 

[chscag]

Okay, thanks for the photo. That hub is not a powered hub and may not be providing enough power going from the MBA to the Superdrive.

As I stated above, try going direct from the Superdrive to your MBA but you will need the proper cable. USB-A to USB-C cables are inexpensive and can be purchased on line or from stores like Best Buy, Staples, and Walmart.

 

[tuckerjudy]

Thanks! Guess I'm going shopping tomorrow!