Remember the satisfying click of a CD drive opening? For many, that sound brings back memories of installing games, watching movies, or listening to music. But in today’s world of streaming and downloads, finding a laptop with a built-in CD/DVD drive feels like searching for a rare gem. It’s a frustrating problem for those who still rely on discs for work, school, or entertainment.
If you’re tired of needing an external drive or missing out on content because your new laptop lacks one, you’re not alone. This post is for you. We understand the struggle, and we’re here to help you navigate the surprisingly tricky landscape of finding a laptop that still offers this convenient feature. We’ll break down what to look for and where to find these increasingly uncommon machines.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently choose a laptop that meets your needs, whether you’re a student who needs to use old textbooks on CD, a professional who works with data on discs, or simply someone who cherishes their physical media collection. Let’s dive in and rediscover the joy of a laptop that still plays your favorite discs.
Our Top 5 Laptop With Cd Drive Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Laptop With Cd Drive Detailed Reviews
1. HP Student Business Laptop Computer – Free CD/DVD Drive • 16GB Memory • 128GB eMMC • Intel 4-Core Processor • 14″ Anti-Glare HD Display • Intel UHD Graphics • HD Display • Win11 Pro(Black)
Rating: 8.6/10
The HP Student Business Laptop Computer in sleek black is designed for students and professionals on the move. It boasts a 14-inch HD display, 16GB of RAM, and a fast Intel 4-Core processor, making it a capable machine for daily tasks. Plus, it comes with a free CD/DVD drive, which is a nice bonus in today’s world.
What We Like:
- The Intel 4-Core processor handles everyday tasks smoothly, perfect for multitasking.
- With 16GB of RAM, switching between apps is quick and easy.
- It’s super light and thin, making it easy to carry around all day.
- The 14-inch HD display is clear and easy on the eyes, even in bright light.
- Windows 11 Pro offers a secure and productive computing experience.
- Having a built-in CD/DVD drive is a handy feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 128GB eMMC storage might fill up quickly for users with lots of large files.
- The Intel UHD Graphics are basic and not ideal for demanding gaming or heavy video editing.
This HP laptop offers a great balance of portability and performance for everyday productivity. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable computer for school or work.
2. HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop for Business and Students – with External CD/DVD Drive & Office Lifetime License
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop, your new go-to for work and school. This laptop packs a punch with its powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor and a bright, clear screen. It even comes with an external CD/DVD drive and a lifetime Office license, making it ready for anything right out of the box.
What We Like:
- The AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor with 6 cores handles many tasks at once smoothly. It speeds up to 4.3 GHz, so apps open fast.
- The 17.3-inch Full HD screen shows clear, bright pictures. The anti-glare finish helps you see better even in sunny rooms.
- You get a secure webcam with a privacy shutter for safe video calls. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 keep you connected quickly.
- Windows 11 Pro is included, offering better security and tools for getting work done.
- This laptop is great for students, professionals, and creators. It’s a versatile machine for many different jobs.
- Having an external CD/DVD drive is a nice bonus for older discs.
- The lifetime Office license saves you money on software.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 250 nits brightness might not be enough for very bright outdoor use.
- While powerful, it might not be the top choice for intense, high-end gaming.
This HP laptop offers a strong combination of performance and features for its price. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable machine for daily tasks.
3. Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner +/-RW Optical Drive
Rating: 8.7/10
The Amicool External DVD Drive is a handy gadget for your computer. It lets you read and write CDs and DVDs. It’s small and easy to carry around. You can plug it into most computers without needing special software. This makes it super simple to use, even if you’re not a tech expert.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up – just plug it in! No extra drivers are needed.
- It works with both USB and USB-C ports, which is great for newer and older computers.
- It’s fast, thanks to USB 3.0, so movies and files load quickly.
- It works with almost all computers, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- It’s really slim and light, so you can take it anywhere.
- It can read, write, and burn discs, making it very useful.
- It has features to reduce noise and prevent skipping.
What Could Be Improved:
- It doesn’t work with TVs, tablets, or car stereos.
- For desktop users, plugging it into the back USB port works best.
This Amicool drive is a great, versatile tool for anyone who needs to use CDs or DVDs with their computer. It’s a reliable choice for both work and fun.
4. Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive for Laptop
Rating: 8.6/10
Bring back the convenience of discs with the Rioddas External CD/DVD Drive. This handy gadget lets you play or burn CDs and DVDs on your laptop or desktop, even if your computer doesn’t have a built-in drive anymore. It’s super easy to set up and use, making it a great tool for anyone who still uses discs for music, movies, or important files.
What We Like:
- It’s plug and play, meaning you just plug it in and it works! No complicated setup needed.
- It’s powered by the USB port, so you don’t need extra cords or an adapter.
- It’s fast, with USB 3.0 that transfers data quickly.
- It’s reliable, designed to avoid skipping or errors when you’re watching or burning discs.
- It has a special button to easily eject discs, even if your computer is acting up.
- The built-in cable storage keeps things tidy.
- It works with many different computers and operating systems, like Windows and Mac.
What Could Be Improved:
- It doesn’t work with ChromeOS, smartphones, tablets, or TVs.
- It can’t play Blu-ray or 4K discs.
- For desktops, it works best when plugged into the back USB ports.
This Rioddas drive is a practical and stylish solution for all your CD and DVD needs. It’s a reliable way to access and save your disc-based media.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook
Rating: 8.9/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook in Abyss Blue is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly laptop for daily tasks. It boasts a large, clear screen, smooth performance, and a design that makes it easy to take anywhere.
What We Like:
- TOP PERFORMANCE: The Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 8GB RAM make multitasking feel effortless, whether you’re working on homework or browsing the web.
- VIVID VISUALS: The 15.6-inch FHD display with 1920×1080 resolution shows off bright colors and sharp details, making everything from videos to documents look great.
- AMPLE STORAGE: With 64GB of eMMC storage, you have plenty of room for your important files, photos, and apps.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY: It comes with handy ports like USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB-C, so you can easily connect your accessories.
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE: You can enjoy up to 10 hours of battery, letting you work and play without constantly searching for an outlet.
- ENHANCED SECURITY: A physical laptop lock slot adds an extra layer of security for your peace of mind.
- CRYSTAL-CLEAR VIDEO CALLS: The 720p camera ensures you look clear and bright during video chats.
- SLIM AND PORTABLE: This Chromebook is light and easy to carry, fitting perfectly into your backpack.
- SMARTER SOLUTIONS: Lenovo is dedicated to creating smart solutions that empower users.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 64GB eMMC storage might be limited for users who store a lot of large files like movies or extensive game libraries.
- While the Intel Celeron N4500 is good for everyday tasks, more demanding applications or heavy multitasking might show some slowdowns.
This Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook offers a great balance of features and affordability, making it a solid choice for students and everyday users. It’s designed to make your digital life simpler and more enjoyable.
Finding Your Perfect Laptop with a CD Drive
Laptops with CD drives are becoming less common, but they still offer unique advantages. If you need to use CDs or DVDs for music, movies, software installation, or backing up important files, a laptop with a built-in drive is a great choice. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. The CD/DVD Drive Itself
- Type of Drive: Most laptops have DVD-RW drives. This means they can read (play) and write (burn) CDs and DVDs. Some might be DVD-ROM, which only read.
- Speed: Look for a drive that’s fast enough for your needs. For most users, standard speeds are perfectly fine.
2. Performance and Specs
- Processor (CPU): A decent processor (like an Intel Core i3 or i5, or AMD Ryzen 3 or 5) helps your laptop run smoothly. This is important for opening apps and multitasking.
- RAM (Memory): 8GB of RAM is a good starting point. It allows you to have many programs open at once without your laptop slowing down.
- Storage: A Solid State Drive (SSD) makes your laptop much faster. It helps programs load quickly and boots up your computer in seconds.
3. Display and Portability
- Screen Size: Laptops come with different screen sizes, usually from 13 inches to 15.6 inches. A larger screen is better for watching movies, but makes the laptop heavier.
- Weight: If you plan to carry your laptop around a lot, a lighter one is better.
Important Materials
The materials used in a laptop affect its durability and feel. Most laptops have plastic or metal casings. Metal casings, like aluminum, are generally stronger and feel more premium.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Build Quality: A well-built laptop feels sturdy. The keyboard shouldn’t flex too much, and the hinges should be strong.
- Cooling System: Good cooling prevents your laptop from overheating, which can slow it down and damage parts over time.
- Brand Reputation: Companies known for making good laptops often use better parts and have better support.
Reducing Quality:
- Flimsy Construction: A laptop that feels cheap or easily bends might not last long.
- Overheating: If a laptop gets too hot during normal use, its performance will suffer.
- Outdated Components: Older processors or less RAM will make your laptop feel slow.
User Experience and Use Cases
A laptop with a CD drive offers a familiar and convenient experience for many tasks.
- Media Enjoyment: You can easily watch your DVD movies or listen to your CD music collection.
- Software Installation: Many older software programs still come on CDs. A built-in drive lets you install them without needing an external device.
- Data Backup: Burning important files onto CDs or DVDs is a reliable way to back them up.
- Gaming: Some older PC games are distributed on discs.
For students, a laptop with a CD drive can be useful for installing educational software or accessing course materials on discs. For professionals, it might be for specific industry software or archiving data. For home users, it’s great for entertainment and keeping old media alive.
Even though many newer laptops skip the CD drive, they are still a practical choice if you value the ability to use discs. Look for models that balance the CD drive with modern performance features for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why would I need a laptop with a CD drive in today’s world?
A: You might need one if you still have CDs or DVDs for music, movies, software, or backups that you want to use directly without buying extra equipment.
Q: Are laptops with CD drives still being made?
A: Yes, some companies still make them, but they are becoming less common. You might find them more often in budget-friendly or business-oriented models.
Q: What’s the difference between a DVD-RW and a DVD-ROM drive?
A: A DVD-RW drive can read and write (burn) discs, while a DVD-ROM drive can only read discs.
Q: Will a laptop with a CD drive be slower than a new one without one?
A: Not necessarily. The speed depends on the processor, RAM, and storage. You can find new laptops with CD drives that have fast processors and SSDs.
Q: Can I add an external CD drive if my laptop doesn’t have one?
A: Yes, you can buy a USB external CD/DVD drive. They are usually inexpensive and work well.
Q: What are the common screen sizes for laptops with CD drives?
A: You’ll often find them with 15.6-inch screens, which offer a good balance of viewing space and portability.
Q: How much RAM should I look for in a laptop with a CD drive?
A: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM. This helps with multitasking and running programs smoothly.
Q: Is an SSD important for a laptop with a CD drive?
A: Yes, an SSD (Solid State Drive) makes your laptop boot up faster and apps load quicker, improving the overall user experience.
Q: Are there any drawbacks to having a CD drive in a laptop?
A: Laptops with CD drives can sometimes be a bit thicker and heavier than those without. The drive also uses some power.
Q: Where can I find reviews for laptops with CD drives?
A: You can find reviews on tech websites, product listing pages of online retailers, and tech blogs like this one.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.