8x SuperDrive upgrade

MCE Technologies today debuted a new slim slot-loading 8X SuperDrive upgrade (site not updated) for Apple's MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks. The drives write to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) as well as DVD-R DL, and are designed to replace the original 4X and 6X SuperDrives in Apple's stock systems. Built to accommodate the slender form factor of Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro, the drive upgrade ships for $200 with all required tools and instructions to perform the upgrade at home.

The MCE 8X SuperDrive upgrade utilizes a drive mechanism measuring 9.5mm in height, compared to standard 12.5mm tall mechanisms. The upgrade writes to standard DVD-R and DVD+R media at up to 8X speed, while standard DVD-RW and DVD+RW media record at up to 4X speed. Burning 8.5GB DVD+R Double Layer media and 8.5GB DVD-R Dual Layer media is also supported at up to 4X speed.

The drive writes to standard 650MB (74 minute) and 700MB (80 minute) CD-R media at up to 24X speed, and records to standard CD-RW media at up to 10X speed. MCE's drive reads DVD-ROM discs at up to 8X speed, and reads standard CD-ROM discs at up to 24X speed.

The MCE 8X SuperDrive upgrade with Dual/Double Layer support is bootable, and is natively compatible with Mac OS 10.4 and 10.5 as well as Apple’s iTunes, iDVD, Finder Burning, iPhoto, and DVD Player.

by MacNN Staff