Do i have to use an apple external DVD/CD drive for my macbook air

I have a macbook air and was looking to get an external disk drive and was wondering if i had to use an apple product or could i get a different brand?

Yes, you can use a diff. brand.
the next best one is the LG, its $49

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I have been using my apple tv to access netflix for several months. It suddenly stopped working. When I try to go to netflix from the menu, it says "accessing netflix" but never does. I can access you tube just fine, but just can't get to netflix.

I have been using my apple tv to access netflix for several months. It suddenly stopped working. When I try to go to netflix from the menu, it says "accessing netflix" but never does. I can access you tube just fine, but just can't get to netflix. Any ideas. I have unplugged everything and waited but nothing helped.

Update software. If that doesn't work try resetting. Mine started working after the update.

I bought the external DVD player/burner for my Macbook. I tried using it with my Dell laptop but it will not work. Is it not configured to work with anything but apple operating systems?

I bought the external DVD player/burner for my Macbook. I tried using it with my Dell laptop but it will not work. Is it not configured to work with anything but apple operating systems?

If you purchased the Apple USB SuperDrive, it will only work with select Apple devices. It won't work, for example, on my Late 2011 model that has a SuperDrive built-in, but it will work with an Air, Retina model, new 'drive-less' iMacs, etc.
As far as I know, though, you can only hack the drive to work with some other Apple devices, but not with Windows PCs. Which is a shame as other, less expensive DVD/CD devices will work with just about any machine.
Sorry,
Clinton

I need to buy an external hard drive for my MacBook Air as it is almost full. Which one should I buy?

Do I need to buy an Apple external Hard Drive for my MacBook Air?

There is no such thing as an Apple hard drive, ...Apples doesnt make same.
avoid western digital if possible.
Yes, having an external HD is necessary for data backups and keeping large media files for packing around etc.
you need data redundancy.
best options for the price, and high quality HD:
Quality 1TB drives are $50 per TB on 3.5" or $65 per TB on 2.5"
Perfect 1TB for $68
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Portable-Hard-Drive/dp/B005J7YA3W/ref=sr_1_ 1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379452568&sr=8-1&keywords=1tb+toshiba
Nice 500gig for $50. ultraslim perfect for use with a notebook
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Portable-External-Drive/dp/B009F1CXI2/ref=s r_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1377642728&sr=1-1&keywords=toshiba+slim+500gb
Best small HD for the money:
2.5" USB portable High quality BEST FOR THE COST, Toshiba "tiny giant" 2TB drive (have several of them, LOT of storage in a SMALL package) $117
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Connect-Portable-HDTC720XK3C1/dp/B00CGUMS48 /ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1379182740&sr=1-4&keywords=2tb+toshiba
*This one is the BEST portable external HD available that money can buy:
HGST Touro Mobile 1TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive $88
http://www.amazon.com/HGST-Mobile-Portable-External-0S03559/dp/B009GE6JI8/ref=sr _1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383238934&sr=8-1&keywords=HGST+Touro+Mobile+Pro+1TB+USB+3.0+7 2 00+RPM
Most storage experts agree on the Hitachi 2.5"
Hitachi is the winner in hard drive reliability survey:
Hitachi manufacturers the safest and most reliable hard drives, according to the Storelab study. Of the hundreds of Hitachi hard drives received, not a single one had failed due to manufacturing or design errors. Adding the highest average lifespans and the best relationship between failures and market share, Hitachi can be regarded as the winner.

Where can I buy an external floppy disk drive for my Macbook?

where can I buy an external floppy disk drive for my Macbook?

You can find them on eBay http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=usb+floppy+drive&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksi d=p2045573.m570.l1311.R1.TR2.TRC1.A0.Xusb+floppy+drive+for+mac&_nkw=usb+floppy+d rive+mac&_sacat=0

Advice on how to format an external hard drive for a MacBook Air

I have an external USB hard drive plugged into a 64GB MacBook Air. How should I format the hard drive so that when I run out of room on the small 64 GB SSD drive on the MacBook Air, it will start putting some iTunes or other files onto the external hard drive? I only put iTunes and other small music files on the MacBook Air in order to save room. I do have iTunes set for iCloud.

You cannot format a drive so that files will be automatically put on that drive when you run out of room on another drive. Transferring the files must be done specifically by you. You will need to learn how to manage free space on the SSD because 64 GBs is a bit small for much more than OS X.
Drive Partition and Format
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.

External dvd/cd drive for my imac

hey,
hopefully someone will be able to help me out with this little problem. after like 2.5-3 years my imac's dvd/cd drive has stopped reading disks. i'll insert the disc and it'll act like it's trying to read it and then after about 30 seconds to a minute it'll spit the disc back out. i'm definitely out of warranty and wanted to know if anyone could recommend a new external dvd/cd drive(?) or burner(?) or whatever it is i actually need to be able to play, upload, and burn dvds and cds. i'd rather not have a new internal drive installed and i'd prefer to just buy an external.
sorry if i sound computer illiterate with this post but for the most part i really am. thanks again for anyone that can help me out.

Hello and welcome to discussions,
These drives seem to be well regarded by many here...
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/optical-drives/
Should do what you want it to do and a wide choice of budgets to aim at!
Regards.
Ian.

Is there a way to use a non-apple external display (monitor) without having my macbook air plugged in?

Just got a 27'' AOC monitor that I'm using with my Macbook Air (purchased in 2013). It's working great but as soon as I unplug the power adapter from my laptop the monitor goes black and says 'no signal'. I've been reading online that you need to have the power adapter plugged in to use an external monitor - my questions are: 1) does that harm the laptop's batter? if so, 2) is there a workaround? if there is no workaround, 3) does an Apple monitor also require that a laptop be plugged in for the external display to continue functioning while the laptop is in clamshell mode (closed lid)?
Thanks in advance for any advice

Thanks, Matt. In my case, the monitor definitely shuts off when I unplug the power from my laptop in clamshell mode. If the lid is open, however, the monitor continues to function even without the power adapter plugged into my laptop. Ideally, I'd like to have the lid closed on my laptop and be able to use the external monitor without having the power plugged into my laptop. That's what doesn't seem to work - if your does, please let me know if you have any pointers.
Thanks again!

Compatible External DVD/CD Drives for use with MacBook Air

Hello all,
I'm after buying an external drive and was hoping we could put together a list of compatible drives as I've read on other forums that not all are compatible.
Please no links as they tend to expire but rather just list the make and model of the drives.
Thanks,
Jompet

Kappy wrote:
Apple sells an external USB optical drive specifically for use with the MBAs. That would be your best option. MBA SuperDrive.
Sorry, but that's not correct. I got the white version:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007595%2050001623 &IsNodeId=1&name=LG%20ELECTRONICS
Works perfect.

Best External hard drive for 2011 macbook air

i recently recieved a 2011 macbook air and heard that it is easier on the computer to use an external hard drive
if this is true what would be the best reasonably priced one to buy?
thanks

http://www.hgst.com/external-drives/mobile/touro-mobile-pro
This I have found is a very good "bang for the buck" drive. 7200 RPM drive, and USB 3.0, if later you can advantage of it. If you want anything faster, you will have to raise your budget quite a bit going with a Thunderbolt drive, in which case I would recommend the Seagate GoFlex.
You may also want to consider a LaCie's Rugged Triple in 500 GB 7200 RPM configuration, and use the $29.00 Thunderbolt-Firewire adapter.
http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?id=10553

External DVD/cd drive for 2010 128G model

good morning
i am looking for a reliable external DVD/cd RW drive for my recently purchased 2010 MBAir 128G. I have read unfavorable reviews for Apples offering (about 50%) and would welcome any suggestions. Should I consider BluRay, or will that complicate matters?
thank you in advance, chardagha

Apple does not support BluRay so that is not a wise choice. Any brand DVD drive will work with your MBA. The most durable seem to be the tray loading models.
Ciao.

How to use an external hard drive on a MacBook Air?

Hi there.
Recently I bought a portable USB external hard drive for my MacBook Air due to my full startup disk. I also bought multiple disks for the hard drive. I inserted the disk, hooked up the USB, and did everything properly. When I first hooked it up, I lost all internet files that I had saved. All images, videos and downloads (such as Minecraft and other gaming downloads) from the internet were gone and unable to find.
Now, I don't want to make the wrong move and lose all of my internet files again, so I am asking how to transfer files SAFELY to the USB without any files being deleted. I tranfered files before, but they were just short cuts to the original file, so I am also asking how to fix that as well. My Dad was a computer technician, although he didn't work for Apple, so he doesn't know how to use the USB.
I've tried everything to find my internet files, but nothing. If there is a way to get them back, I'd be glad if you shared that with me. My dock files aren't working due to this insanely full startup disk, so I'd appreciate it if you could tell me ASAP how to use the USB, how to SAFELY transfer files without them turning into shortcuts, and how to get my internet files back.
Thank you very much.
P.s My OS X version is 10.8.3 (Not with Mountain Lion)

You cannot format a drive so that files will be automatically put on that drive when you run out of room on another drive. Transferring the files must be done specifically by you. You will need to learn how to manage free space on the SSD because 64 GBs is a bit small for much more than OS X.
Drive Partition and Format
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.

Compatible External DVD-Rewriter Drives

Im been interested in getting an external DVD-Reweriter drive for a while now and were wondering if anyone could list me some compatible ones and where i could get them from in the UK. Iv seen a few around but wasnt sure if they would be compatible, desperately need one for data back-up considering i only have a combo drive on my MacBook!
Cheers in advance, Scott

This isn't an exhaustive list, but I have a Sony DRU-120A in a generic external Firewire enclosure made by ADS. There are newer faster burners out there, but this drive worked fine with my Macbook running OSX 10.4.10. I downloaded the Ubuntu Linux 7.10 live DVD ISO and used OSX's Disk Utility to burn the ISO to a DVD-R disc.
OSX did not support non-Apple drives for burning until 10.4. For the older OSX releases, a program like Roxio's Toast is needed to support non-Apple drives.
I like the idea of using an external burner. Discussion threads have posts with users having problems with superdrives not burning correctly after only a few months of operation.
Bill

How do I have itunes use/detect my external hard drive and place music on the external drive from the itunes store? There are no music files on my pc yet. I will like to do this after installing itunes 11 on my pc for the first time. I am using windows 7

How do I have itunes use/detect my external hard drive and place music on the external drive from the itunes store? There are no music files on my pc yet. I will like to do this after installing itunes 11 on my pc for the first time. I am using windows 7. HP computer intel Dual Core. Thanks for any help!

Hey idw3,
Welcome to Apple Support Communities, and thanks for the question. Follow the instructions on this article to move your iTunes Media folder to an external hard drive:
iTunes for Windows: Moving your iTunes Media folder
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1364
Regards,
David

I have an external camera, IceCam2, connected to my MacBook Air, but I cant switch to the camera when I try to use videocam on a websayt. How do I switch from internal to externl camera? In use is Adobe Flash Player, but I cant open that program, is the s

I have an external camera, IceCam2, connected to my MacBook Air, but I cant switch to the camera when I try to use videocam on a websayt. How do I switch from internal to externl camera? In use is Adobe Flash Player, but I cant open that program, is the s

I think the McAfee suite will do the trick when I pay them a one-time fee of $69 or $179 for a year for unlimited support.
Your call of course but IMO a waste of money. Please read this first:
There are many forms of ‘Malware’ that can affect a computer system, of which ‘a virus’ is but one type, ‘trojans’ another. Using the strict definition of a computer virus, no viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions. The same is not true of other forms of malware, such as Trojans. Whilst it is a fairly safe bet that your Mac has NOT been infected by a virus, it may have another security-related problem, but more likely a technical problem unrelated to any malware threat.
You may find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.
More useful information can also be found here:
http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/

Do i have to use an apple external DVD/CD drive for my macbook air

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