Remember when popping a DVD into your laptop was the easiest way to watch a movie or install new software? For many, that convenience is still a big deal! But finding a laptop that still has a built-in DVD drive can feel like searching for a hidden treasure these days. Manufacturers are making more and more laptops without them, which can be frustrating if you still rely on DVDs.
This is where we come in! We know it’s tough to figure out which laptops still offer this useful feature and what to look for. You might be worried about missing out on important programs or not being able to enjoy your favorite movie collection. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. This post will help you understand why laptops with DVD drives are still a good choice for some and how to find the perfect one for your needs.
Get ready to discover how to navigate the world of laptops with DVD drives. We’ll break down what makes them special and guide you through the options. By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident about choosing a laptop that fits your DVD-loving lifestyle. Let’s dive in and find your next great machine!
Our Top 5 Laptop With Dvd Drive Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Laptop With Dvd Drive Detailed Reviews
1. HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop for Business and Students – with External CD/DVD Drive & Office Lifetime License
Rating: 9.3/10
This HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop is a powerhouse for both business professionals and students. It packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and a large, vibrant display. Plus, it comes with an external CD/DVD drive and a lifetime Office license, making it a complete package for productivity.
What We Like:
- The AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor with 6 cores delivers excellent performance for multitasking and everyday tasks. It can even handle gaming!
- The 17.3-inch Full HD IPS display with anti-glare coating provides sharp, clear visuals and is easy on the eyes in any light.
- Built-in HD webcam with a Privacy Shutter keeps your video calls secure.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 offer super-fast and reliable internet connections.
- Windows 11 Pro comes pre-installed, offering great security features like BitLocker encryption.
- The laptop is very versatile, perfect for students, creators, and business users.
- Having an external CD/DVD drive is a big plus for those who still use discs.
- The lifetime Office license is a fantastic value.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 250 nits brightness on the display might be a bit dim for very bright outdoor environments.
- While powerful, the Ryzen 5 7430U might not be the absolute top-tier for extremely demanding professional applications or high-end gaming.
This HP laptop offers a fantastic blend of performance, features, and value, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and capable machine.
2. 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: 9.4/10
This HP Student Business Laptop Computer is a great choice for students and business folks on the go. It offers a good mix of features for everyday tasks, from schoolwork to browsing the web.
What We Like:
- The Intel 4-Core processor makes multitasking smooth. You can work on documents and stream videos without lag.
- It has 16GB of RAM, which is plenty for running many apps at once.
- The laptop is very light and thin, making it easy to carry around.
- The 14-inch HD display is clear and easy on your eyes.
- It comes with Windows 11 Pro, which has good security features.
- A free CD/DVD drive is included, which is rare these days!
What Could Be Improved:
- The 128GB eMMC storage might fill up quickly if you save a lot of large files.
- While the display is HD, a higher resolution would make text and images even sharper.
- The Intel UHD Graphics are fine for basic tasks but not for demanding gaming or video editing.
This HP laptop offers solid performance and portability for its price. It’s a reliable companion for your daily computing needs.
3. Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner +/-RW Optical Drive
Rating: 9.0/10
The Amicool External DVD Drive is a handy gadget for anyone who needs to play or burn CDs and DVDs on their computer. It works with most laptops and desktops, even if they don’t have a built-in disc drive anymore. This drive is super easy to use and takes up very little space.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly easy to set up – just plug it in, and your computer will find it. No special software needed!
- It has two ways to connect: a regular USB 3.0 and a newer USB-C. This makes it fast and works with lots of different computers.
- This drive works with almost any computer running Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- It’s small and light, so you can easily carry it around in your bag. The cable is even built-in, so you won’t lose it.
- You can use it to read, write, and burn discs. It’s quiet and has features to prevent errors and skips.
What Could Be Improved:
- This drive is only for computers. You can’t use it with TVs, tablets, or car stereos.
- For desktop users, plugging it into the back of the computer gives the best performance.
If you need a simple way to use CDs and DVDs with your computer, this Amicool drive is a solid and portable option.
4. Dell Latitude E6420 Laptop – HDMI – i5 2.5ghz – 4GB DDR3 – 320GB – DVD – Windows 10 64bit – (Renewed)
Rating: 9.0/10
The Dell Latitude E6420 is a renewed laptop that packs a punch for everyday tasks. It features an Intel Core i5 processor running at 2.5GHz, which helps it run smoothly. You get 4GB of RAM for multitasking and a 320GB hard drive to store your files. The 14.1-inch display is a good size for working and watching videos. Plus, it comes with Windows 10 Home 64-bit already installed, so you can start using it right away. This laptop also has an HDMI port, making it easy to connect to a TV or monitor, and a DVD drive for your discs.
What We Like:
- The Intel Core i5 processor makes it fast for everyday use.
- It has a decent amount of storage with its 320GB hard drive.
- The HDMI port is very useful for connecting to bigger screens.
- It comes with Windows 10 Home, which is easy to use.
- The price of this renewed laptop is a great deal.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4GB of RAM might be a little slow for very demanding programs.
- Being a renewed product, its battery life may not be as long as a brand new one.
- The design is a bit older compared to newer laptops.
This Dell Latitude E6420 is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and affordable laptop. It offers good performance for daily tasks and plenty of storage.
5. Dell Inspiron 3535 Touchscreen Laptop – with 2024 Office Lifetime & External DVD Drive
Rating: 9.1/10
This Dell Inspiron 3535 Touchscreen Laptop is a powerhouse designed for both business and personal use. It packs a punch with its speedy AMD Ryzen 7 processor, vibrant Full HD touchscreen, and a generous 1TB SSD for all your files. Plus, it comes with Microsoft Office Lifetime and an external DVD drive, making it ready for anything right out of the box. Windows 11 Pro and Copilot AI are also included to boost your productivity.
What We Like:
- The AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor is super fast. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, so you can run many programs at once without any slowdown.
- The 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen is bright and clear. It makes everything look great, and it’s fun to use with your fingers.
- You get a lot of space with the 1TB SSD. Your computer will start up quickly, and your apps will load fast.
- Microsoft Office Lifetime is included. You won’t need to buy any extra software for work or school.
- The external DVD drive is a nice bonus. You can still watch DVDs or use old CDs.
- It comes with Windows 11 Pro and Copilot AI. These tools help you get more done.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the RAM is 16GB, it can be upgraded up to 64GB. For very demanding tasks, you might want to consider this.
- The laptop’s weight and dimensions are not specified, which could be a factor for those who travel often.
This Dell Inspiron 3535 is a fantastic all-around laptop. It offers great performance and useful extras for a solid computing experience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Laptop with a DVD Drive
Do you still love watching movies on DVDs or need to use old software that came on a disc? A laptop with a built-in DVD drive might be just what you need. While many new laptops skip this feature, finding one with a DVD drive is still possible. This guide will help you choose the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For
Optical Drive Type
Laptops can have different kinds of DVD drives. A DVD-ROM drive can only read discs. A DVD-RW drive can read and write (burn) discs. If you want to make your own DVDs, choose a DVD-RW drive. Some drives can also handle Blu-ray discs, which hold more data and offer better picture quality for movies.
Screen Size and Resolution
A bigger screen makes watching movies more enjoyable. Look for screens 14 inches or larger. Resolution is also important. A higher resolution means a sharper, clearer picture. 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) is a good standard for sharp images.
Storage Space
You’ll need enough space to save your files, photos, and any programs you install. Laptops with DVD drives often have traditional hard drives (HDDs) or faster solid-state drives (SSDs). SSDs make your laptop start up and load programs much faster.
Processor and RAM
The processor is like the laptop’s brain. A faster processor means your laptop can do more tasks at once without slowing down. RAM (Random Access Memory) helps your laptop run programs smoothly. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM for good performance.
Battery Life
If you plan to watch movies on the go, battery life is crucial. Check how long the battery lasts on a single charge. Some laptops offer 6-8 hours, while others might last even longer.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used in a laptop affect its durability and how it feels. Many laptops use plastic, which is lighter but can be less sturdy. Metal bodies, like aluminum, offer better protection and a more premium feel. The keyboard and trackpad should feel comfortable and responsive for typing and navigation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- SSD Storage: Significantly speeds up your laptop.
- Full HD or Higher Resolution Screen: Provides a sharper, more vibrant viewing experience.
- Good Processor (e.g., Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7): Ensures smooth multitasking and performance.
- Ample RAM (8GB or more): Allows for running multiple applications without lag.
- Durable Build Materials: Such as aluminum, make the laptop last longer.
Reducing Quality
- Slow Hard Drive (HDD Only): Can make your laptop feel sluggish.
- Low Screen Resolution: Results in a less clear and detailed image.
- Underpowered Processor: Limits what your laptop can do and can cause frustration.
- Insufficient RAM (4GB or less): Will lead to slow performance, especially with multiple programs open.
- Flimsy Plastic Construction: Can make the laptop feel cheap and prone to damage.
User Experience and Use Cases
A laptop with a DVD drive offers a unique user experience. It allows you to access a vast library of movies and music without needing an internet connection. You can also install software from discs, which is helpful for older programs or when you have limited internet access. These laptops are great for students who might need to use educational software on discs, families who enjoy movie nights with their DVD collection, or anyone who needs to work with legacy media.
For casual movie watching, a comfortable keyboard, a good screen, and decent speakers are important. For burning discs, a reliable DVD-RW drive is essential. The overall user experience depends on how well the laptop balances its features for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why would I need a laptop with a DVD drive in 2024?
A: You might need one to watch movies from your DVD collection, install software that only comes on discs, or back up important files to DVDs.
Q: Are laptops with DVD drives still made?
A: Yes, they are. They are less common than laptops without drives, but many manufacturers still offer them.
Q: Can I add a DVD drive to a laptop that doesn’t have one?
A: Yes, you can buy an external USB DVD drive that plugs into your laptop.
Q: What’s the difference between a DVD-ROM and a DVD-RW drive?
A: A DVD-ROM drive can only read discs. A DVD-RW drive can read and write (burn) discs.
Q: Will a laptop with a DVD drive be slower than one without?
A: Not necessarily. The speed depends more on the processor, RAM, and storage type (SSD vs. HDD).
Q: What screen size is best for watching DVDs?
A: A screen size of 14 inches or larger is generally better for a more immersive movie-watching experience.
Q: How much storage space should I look for?
A: For general use and storing some movies, 256GB or 512GB is a good starting point. More is always better if you plan to store a lot of media.
Q: Is a Blu-ray drive necessary?
A: A Blu-ray drive lets you play Blu-ray discs, which have higher quality video than DVDs. It’s a nice-to-have if you have a Blu-ray collection.
Q: What kind of processor is good enough for a laptop with a DVD drive?
A: An Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor is usually sufficient for basic tasks and movie playback. An i5/Ryzen 5 or higher is better for multitasking.
Q: How important is battery life when choosing a laptop with a DVD drive?
A: It’s very important if you plan to watch movies or use the drive away from a power outlet. Look for at least 6 hours of battery life.
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.