ASUS External 16X Blu-Ray Writer with USB 3.0 Optical Drives Storage -BW-16D1H-U-PRO

I needed an external optical drive, preferably DVD, for archiving data. But almost all the products out there are either slim or ultra slim. The problem with these slim optical drives is thata) they are too darn slowb) most of them rely on using 2 USB for powerc) are really fragileSo, in my search for robust and fast optical drives that have dedicated power adapter, I came across ASUS' 16x Blu-ray writer.In the box: Besides the main hardware and documentation, there's power cord, USB type A to type B cable, stand, software suite DVD (beware, it's Cyberlink!), and an odd shopping bag in the box. Said box also has a lot of information on the back (picture attached).Installation: Connect drive to computer, supply power through cord, done. As soon as you turn on the button at the back of the unit, your computer will now show an extra optical drive in the My Computer folder.You can keep it flat or vertically using the stand included (don't worry, the CD won't slide and fall off).Build: The optical drive casing is mostly plastic. Sides are glossy while top is weird in shape and has some matte surface. It is about 500g in weight (guessing) with the stand mounted. There's a big blue light on the top, which is sometimes distracting. The front right corner has the eject button and a tiny blue LED to indicate activity.The back has USB and power sockets and a ON/OFF button. This button is really snug, and you can often times find yourself struggling with it. I really wish ASUS had put a simpler switch (like those on PSUs) rather than going full-blown diamond design on everything.The power cord is very long, and the USB cable must be more than 2ft (guessing again).Performance: In case of 25GB 6x Blu-ray disks, I had varying results for same amount of data (22.5GB) with Windows' default burning software taking 40 minutes and CDBurnerXP taking 20-30 minutes. But it can be because in each case the data was different.DVD and CD burning was super fast.I don't have any Blu-ray movie, but CD and DVD movies play as they should.Verdict: It is a nice looking hardware and the specifications are great. Ideal for those who don't move their computer around and need powerful burning hardware. I will try to keep it free of dust and hope it lasts long enough.IMPORTANT: Make sure that while burning, no other USB storage device is connected to the system, as it may affect the process. Also, burn data that's stored in drives connected through SATA/eSATA, not through USB. I am saying this because the computer may decide to change USB polling priorities while burning and the process may fail, thus wasting your expensive Blu-ray disk. Hasn't happened to me, but might to you.

It’s elegant to see at desk

I already have a Blu-ray writer but it was 2x speed. So I decided buy the Asus 16x writer. The software that comes bundled with it is good. Esp. on the go burner which spans backups across multiple Blu-ray discs. Mind you, not the actual backup software but the burning software. It apparently recognises 3D Blu-ray but you need to have a 3D display to view it.The design is fabulous. I haven't tested on a 16x Blu-ray yet, have burnt some 10 disscs at 6x speed. Was flawless. Noiseless too. Best part is I can use it on any computer since it's external and very reliable.

It is a fast drive. Bulky. But looks 👌Plays and write all discs at a fast speed. 💯% satisfied with the product.Only 1 problem that it is not an UHD Blu-ray writer...nor it can be downgraded to a older firmware... Also, this is a 'Pioneer' branded Blu-ray Writer that ASUS sale under its brand. "" I had to return it back after trying hard for 2 days.. I brought it thinking it will work as a "PRO" Label was there on the box and website..my honest mistake but thank you Amazon for understanding and refund 👍I brought a new Drive : ASUS BW-16D1HT PRO, which support UHD BLU-RAY DISCS but not by default "" I had to downgrade the firmware to be able to use my UHD Blu-ray discs. . All working great now.Thank you Amazon and ASUS has to bring in more affordable UHD Blu-ray Writer out of the 📦 ready to use..customers are ready to pay but need options...please understand and be generous 🥰

Good delivery and working amazingly ... got it to store all my family videos in blue ray ...ASUS wrier is rock solid performance and software is good but still I use anyburn software only becoz software can’t recognize FLAC flies . Burn anything DVD or CD -R or DVD

Only wish it was region free

No hassle. Easy plug and play. Works great. No issues. Works as described.

Received with fine condition. Packaging was good. Product is awesome as described. Fast delivery. But littlebit problem in windows lower versions. Working fine with windows 7 and windows 10.