Remember the satisfying click of inserting a CD or DVD into your computer? For many, that sound brings back memories of installing games, watching movies, or backing up important files. In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to forget about the humble optical drive. But what if you still need to use those discs? Finding a laptop that still includes this feature can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Many people still rely on CDs and DVDs for various reasons. Perhaps you have a large collection of music or movies on disc, or maybe your work requires you to read or burn information onto discs. The problem is, most new laptops are built without optical drives to make them thinner and lighter. This leaves many users feeling stuck, wondering how to access their beloved disc collections or complete essential tasks without buying extra, clunky accessories.
This guide is here to help! We’ll dive into why laptops with optical drives are still a great choice for some, and we’ll explore the best options available right now. You’ll learn what to look for, understand the pros and cons, and ultimately find a laptop that fits your specific needs. Get ready to rediscover the convenience of built-in disc reading!
Our Top 5 Laptop With Optical Drive Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Laptop With Optical Drive Detailed Reviews
1. Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 Laptop – 16.0-inch 16:10 2.5K Display
Rating: 8.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 Laptop is a powerful machine designed for both work and play. Its spacious 16-inch display offers more screen real estate, making it easier to see everything you need. This laptop packs a punch with its Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, so it can handle demanding tasks with ease. Plus, it comes with Windows 11 Home and helpful Dell services to get you started.
What We Like:
- The 16:10 aspect ratio display shows more content, which is great for multitasking and viewing documents.
- The optional 2.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate provide sharp and smooth visuals for a better viewing experience.
- Military-grade testing ensures the laptop is durable and reliable for everyday use.
- Dell ComfortView Plus helps protect your eyes by reducing blue light, allowing for longer, comfortable screen time.
- The included 1-Year Onsite Service and 6-Month Dell Migrate service offer peace of mind and easy data transfer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Intel UHD Graphics might not be powerful enough for very demanding gaming or professional creative work.
- While the SSD is a good size at 1TB, some users might need more storage for large files.
Overall, the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 is a solid choice for users who need a reliable and capable laptop for productivity and everyday tasks.
2. Lenovo Laptop Computer for Business and Home Student Study
Rating: 8.6/10
The Lenovo V15 G2 laptop is a solid choice for students and home users. It handles everyday tasks like schoolwork and light gaming with ease. Its big screen and clear sound make watching videos enjoyable. Plus, the webcam has a privacy shutter for extra security.
What We Like:
- It’s budget-friendly, making it easy on your wallet.
- The laptop is lightweight, so you can carry it around easily.
- Its user-friendly interface makes it simple to navigate.
- The 15.6″ FHD display with an anti-glare finish is great for viewing.
- It has plenty of storage with a 1TB PCIe SSD.
- Fast Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 are included for quick connections.
- The HD webcam with a privacy shutter adds a layer of security.
- 16GB of RAM helps you switch between apps smoothly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Intel Celeron N4500 processor is best for basic tasks, not demanding ones.
- While good for everyday use, it might not be powerful enough for heavy gaming or complex video editing.
This Lenovo laptop offers good value for its price, especially for basic needs. It’s a reliable machine for school, work, and entertainment.
3. HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop for Business and Students – with External CD/DVD Drive & Office Lifetime License
Rating: 9.3/10
The HP 17.3″ FHD Laptop is built for both busy professionals and students. It packs a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor and a big, clear screen. Plus, it comes with an external CD/DVD drive and a lifetime Microsoft Office license, making it ready for work and school right out of the box.
What We Like:
- The AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor has 6 cores, which means it can handle many tasks at once without slowing down. It runs fast, up to 4.3 GHz, so your apps open quickly.
- The 17.3-inch Full HD screen shows bright and sharp pictures. It’s great for watching videos or looking at details. The anti-glare screen helps you see better even in bright rooms.
- It has a webcam with a privacy shutter to keep your personal space safe during video calls. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure super-fast and reliable internet connections for everything you do online.
- Windows 11 Pro is included, offering a modern look and extra security features like encryption. It’s a good choice for both work and personal use.
- This laptop is flexible. It works well for people who travel for work, create content, or are studying. Its strong features and nice screen help you tackle any task.
- The included external CD/DVD drive is a handy bonus for those who still use discs. The lifetime Office license saves you money over time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The display brightness is rated at 250 nits, which is decent but might not be bright enough for very sunny outdoor environments.
- While powerful, the Ryzen 5 7430U might not be the top choice for extreme gaming or very demanding video editing compared to higher-end processors.
This HP laptop offers a great mix of power, convenience, and value. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable machine for work or study.
4. Amicool External DVD Drive USB 3.0 USB C CD Burner +/-RW Optical Drive
Rating: 8.5/10
The Amicool External DVD Drive is a handy gadget for anyone who needs to read, write, or burn discs on their computer. It’s slim and portable, making it easy to take with you anywhere. Plus, it works with most computers, including Windows and Mac, and it’s super easy to set up.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly easy to use. Just plug it in, and your computer recognizes it right away. No complicated setup or extra software needed!
- It’s fast! The USB 3.0 and Type-C connections let you transfer data quickly, so movies and music play smoothly.
- It works with almost any computer. Whether you have a Windows PC or a MacBook, this drive is compatible.
- The design is great. It’s slim, lightweight, and has a built-in cable, so it’s easy to carry around.
- It can do it all: read, write, and burn CDs and DVDs. It even has smart features to prevent errors and reduce noise.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s not designed for TVs or tablets. This drive is only for laptops and desktop computers.
- For desktop users, connecting to a rear USB port is recommended for the best performance, which might be a little inconvenient for some.
This Amicool External DVD Drive is a reliable and convenient option for all your disc needs. It’s a great addition to any laptop or desktop computer.
5. HP 17.3 inch Laptop
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the HP 17.3 inch Laptop, model 17-cp2199nr. This laptop is designed to help you work, play, and connect. Its Natural Silver finish looks sleek. It comes with Windows 11 Home, giving you a fresh start for your digital life.
What We Like:
- The ANTI-GLARE HD+ DISPLAY is great for watching movies or working outside. It has a clear picture with 1.4 million pixels and less glare.
- The AMD RYZEN 5 PROCESSOR makes your work and creative projects run faster. It also offers good battery life.
- AMD RADEON GRAPHICS deliver smooth visuals for your games and movies.
- It has a speedy 512 GB SSD for quick loading times. The 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM makes everything feel responsive.
- The HP TRUE VISION HD CAMERA lets you video chat clearly, even in dim light. It also has a physical shutter for privacy.
- AI NOISE REDUCTION ensures your conversations are clear by cutting out background noise.
- The COMFORTABLE LIFT-HINGE DESIGN makes typing more comfortable.
- ONE-TOUCH ACCESS TO MICROSOFT COPILOT is a handy shortcut for smart help.
- This laptop is MADE WITH THE PLANET IN MIND, using recycled plastics.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the HD+ display is good, a Full HD (1080p) display would offer even sharper visuals.
- The AMD Radeon Graphics are good for everyday tasks and light gaming, but might not be powerful enough for demanding, high-end games.
This HP laptop offers a solid mix of performance, comfort, and eco-friendly features for a great everyday computing experience.
Finding Your Perfect Laptop With an Optical Drive
Why You Might Still Need an Optical Drive
In today’s world, many laptops skip the CD/DVD drive. But for some people, it’s still a must-have! Maybe you have a big collection of old movies or music CDs. Perhaps you need to install software from a disc. Or you might want to back up important files onto a DVD. If any of these sound like you, a laptop with an optical drive is still a great choice.
Key Features to Look For
1. The Optical Drive Itself
- Type of Drive: Most laptops have a DVD-RW drive. This means it can read (play) and write (burn) DVDs and CDs. Some might have a Blu-ray drive, which can also play Blu-ray discs (great for HD movies!).
- Speed: Look at the read and write speeds. Faster speeds mean discs load and burn quicker.
2. Performance and Storage
- Processor (CPU): This is the laptop’s brain. For everyday tasks like browsing and watching movies, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is usually fine. For more demanding work, look for a Core i5/Ryzen 5 or higher.
- RAM (Memory): This helps the laptop run many programs at once. 8GB of RAM is a good starting point for smooth performance.
- Storage: Do you need lots of space for files and programs? SSDs (Solid State Drives) are much faster than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). A combination of a smaller SSD for the operating system and a larger HDD for storage can be a good balance.
3. Display and Connectivity
- Screen Size and Resolution: A 15.6-inch screen is common. A Full HD (1920×1080) resolution makes things look sharp and clear.
- Ports: Make sure it has enough USB ports for your devices. An HDMI port is useful for connecting to a TV or monitor.
Important Materials
Laptops are typically made with plastic or metal bodies. Metal bodies, like aluminum, are more durable and feel more premium. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper. The quality of the keyboard and touchpad also matters for a good user experience.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Build Quality: A sturdy laptop that doesn’t flex easily feels better and lasts longer.
- Cooling System: Good cooling keeps the laptop running smoothly and prevents overheating, which can slow it down.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better support and more reliable products.
Reducing Quality:
- Cheap Materials: A flimsy plastic body can feel cheap and break easily.
- Overheating: If a laptop gets too hot, it can cause problems and shorten its lifespan.
- Poor Screen Quality: A dim or washed-out screen can make everything look bad.
User Experience and Use Cases
A laptop with an optical drive is perfect for:
- Students: Installing software from discs or watching educational DVDs.
- Home Users: Watching movies, listening to music CDs, or backing up photos.
- Gamers (older games): Playing games that came on discs.
- Professionals: Installing specialized software or accessing project files on discs.
The user experience is generally straightforward. You insert a disc, and the computer recognizes it. The optical drive adds a little thickness and weight compared to laptops without one, but for many, the convenience is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are laptops with optical drives still being made?
A: Yes, some companies still make them, but they are becoming less common. You’ll often find them in larger laptops or those marketed towards specific needs.
Q: Can I add an external optical drive to any laptop?
A: Yes, you can buy external USB DVD or Blu-ray drives that work with almost any laptop. This is a great option if your current laptop doesn’t have one built-in.
Q: How do I know if a laptop has an optical drive?
A: Look for a slot on the side or front of the laptop where a disc can be inserted. Product descriptions will also clearly state if it includes an optical drive.
Q: Is an optical drive noisy?
A: They can make some noise when reading or burning discs, but modern drives are usually quite quiet.
Q: What’s the difference between a DVD drive and a Blu-ray drive?
A: A Blu-ray drive can do everything a DVD drive can, plus it can read and write Blu-ray discs, which hold much more data and are used for HD movies.
Q: Will an optical drive slow down my laptop?
A: Not significantly during normal use. It uses its own power and processing when actively reading or writing. The laptop’s overall speed depends more on its processor and RAM.
Q: Are optical drives reliable?
A: Yes, they are generally reliable. Like any mechanical part, they can wear out over time, but they usually last for many years with normal use.
Q: What is the benefit of a DVD-RW drive?
A: The “-RW” means it’s “rewritable.” You can erase and record data onto DVD-RW discs multiple times, unlike DVD-R discs which can only be written to once.
Q: Are there any downsides to having an optical drive?
A: Laptops with optical drives tend to be a bit thicker, heavier, and sometimes more expensive than those without. They also use more battery power when the drive is active.
Q: Where can I find laptops with optical drives?
A: You can find them at major electronics retailers, online stores like Amazon or Best Buy, and on the websites of laptop manufacturers. Look for models that specifically list an optical drive in their specifications.
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.