ASUS ZenDrive U8M Ultraslim External DVD Drive & Writer Overview
The ASUS ZenDrive U8M SDRW-08U8M-U/BLK is an ultra-slim external DVD drive and writer designed for users who need a high-performance, portable, and versatile optical drive solution. With the increasing reliance on digital storage and streaming, having a reliable external DVD drive can be crucial for accessing, creating, and backing up physical media. The ZenDrive U8M meets these needs while offering compatibility with both Windows and Mac OS, a sleek design, and a range of advanced features.
This external DVD drive distinguishes itself with its ultra-slim profile and USB-C® interface, making it a perfect fit for modern laptops and ultrabooks that prioritize compact and efficient designs. Despite its slim form factor, the ZenDrive U8M does not compromise on performance or functionality, providing a reliable solution for various disc-related tasks.
Product Description
The ASUS ZenDrive U8M SDRW-08U8M-U/BLK is a sophisticated external DVD drive that combines elegance with functionality. Designed with a sleek and compact profile, it measures only 13.2 mm in thickness and weighs just 290 grams, making it extremely portable and convenient for users who are constantly on the move.
This drive supports a range of disc formats, including DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, DVD-RAM, and CD-R/RW, ensuring that users can handle various types of media with ease. Its USB-C® interface provides a modern connection solution that ensures fast data transfer speeds and wide compatibility with contemporary devices. The inclusion of M-DISC support adds a layer of durability and reliability for data archiving, making it ideal for long-term storage of important files.
The ZenDrive U8M comes with a comprehensive suite of backup solutions and software, including ASUS’s proprietary backup tools and data management applications. These tools enhance the functionality of the drive, allowing users to create backups, recover lost data, and manage their optical media with ease. The drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS, ensuring broad usability across different operating systems.
Key Features
1. Ultra-Slim and Portable Design
The ZenDrive U8M features an ultra-slim profile with a thickness of just 13.2 mm, making it incredibly portable. Its lightweight and compact design allows it to easily fit into a laptop bag or backpack, perfect for users who need a portable optical drive.
2. USB-C® Interface
Equipped with a USB-C® interface, the ZenDrive U8M ensures fast data transfer speeds and wide compatibility with modern laptops and devices. The USB-C® connection also eliminates the need for a separate power adapter, simplifying the user experience.
3. M-DISC Support
The drive supports M-DISC technology, which offers superior durability and longevity compared to standard DVDs. M-DISCs are designed to last up to 1,000 years, making them an ideal choice for archiving important data and preserving valuable files.
4. Comprehensive Backup Solutions
ASUS includes a range of backup solutions and software with the ZenDrive U8M. These tools allow users to create backups, recover lost data, and manage their optical media efficiently. The included software enhances the drive's functionality, providing a complete solution for data management.
5. Compatibility with Windows and Mac OS
The ZenDrive U8M is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS, ensuring that it works seamlessly with a wide range of computers and operating systems. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile choice for users across different platforms.
6. Sleek and Elegant Design
The drive features a stylish black finish with a minimalist design, complementing modern laptops and desktops. Its elegant appearance enhances its appeal as a high-quality accessory for any professional or personal setup.
7. Drag-and-Burn Interface
The Drag-and-Burn interface allows users to burn discs with a simple drag-and-drop process. This intuitive interface makes disc burning easy and efficient, even for users who may not be familiar with more complex burning software.
8. Energy-Efficient Operation
The ZenDrive U8M is designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as automatic sleep mode when not in use. This helps conserve power and prolongs the life of the drive, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
9. Integrated Data Security
ASUS’s data security features include password protection and file encryption, ensuring that your data remains safe and secure. This is particularly useful for users who need to protect sensitive information stored on optical media.
10. Versatile Disc Format Support
The drive supports a wide range of disc formats, including DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW, ensuring that users can handle various types of media for different purposes.
Specifications
Model
ZenDrive U8M (SDRW-08U8M-U)
Color
BLACK
SILVER
GOLD
Read Speed (max)
DVD-ROM : 8X
DVD+R : 8X
DVD-R : 8X
DVD+R(SL, M-DISC) : 8X
DVD+RW : 8X
DVD-RW : 8X
DVD+R(DL) : 8X
DVD-R(DL) : 8X
CD-ROM : 24X
CD-R : 24X
Write Speed (max)
DVD+R : 8X
DVD-R : 8X
DVD+R(SL, M-DISC) : 4X
DVD+RW : 8X
DVD-RW : 6X
DVD+R(DL) : 6X
DVD-R(DL) : 6X
CD-R : 24X
CD-RW : 24X
Interface
USB Type-C
O/S Compatibility
Windows® 11
Windows® 10
Windows® 8 / 8.1
Mac OS® X 10.6 and above
System Requirements
CPU: Intel® Pentium® 4 2.0 GHz or AMD Athlon™ 2100+ or higher
RAM: 512 MB or more is recommended
HDD: 10 GB or more
Power Requirement
USB Power +5V ± 5%
Bundled Software (Windows OS)
CyberLink Power2Go 8
CyberLink PowerBackup 2.6
Nero BackItUp
E-Green
Dimensions
142.5 x 135.5 x 13.9 mm (L/W/H)
Weight
235 ± 20 g
Packing
Retail Box
Review
Performance
The ASUS ZenDrive U8M delivers impressive performance for an ultra-slim external DVD drive. The 8x DVD writing speed ensures that you can burn discs quickly, while the 24x CD writing speed provides fast and efficient creation of CDs. The USB-C® interface guarantees fast data transfer rates, and the drive operates smoothly without any noticeable lag or performance issues.
The inclusion of M-DISC support is a significant advantage, particularly for users who need to archive important data. M-DISCs are known for their durability and longevity, making them an excellent choice for long-term storage. The drive handles M-DISCs with ease, providing reliable and high-quality burns.
The comprehensive backup solutions and software included with the ZenDrive U8M add value by offering a range of tools for data management and recovery. The Drag-and-Burn interface is particularly user-friendly, allowing for a straightforward disc-burning process that is accessible even for users with minimal technical expertise.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the ZenDrive U8M is one of its most notable features. The ultra-slim profile and sleek black finish make it an attractive addition to any desktop or laptop setup. Despite its slim form factor, the drive feels robust and well-constructed, with no flexing or creaking.
The drive’s compact size means it is highly portable, fitting easily into a laptop bag or backpack. The USB-C® connection further enhances its portability by eliminating the need for an external power adapter.
User Experience
The user experience with the ZenDrive U8M is generally positive. The drive is easy to set up and use, with a plug-and-play design that requires no additional drivers or software installation. The included backup solutions and data management tools are straightforward and effective, making it easy to create backups, recover data, and manage optical media.
The Drag-and-Burn interface simplifies the disc-burning process, making it accessible to users who may not be familiar with more complex burning software. The drive operates quietly and efficiently, although some users may notice a slight noise during the burning process.
Pros
Ultra-slim and portable: Easy to carry and store.
USB-C® interface: Fast data transfer and modern connection.
M-DISC support: Ideal for long-term data archiving.
Comprehensive backup solutions: Includes useful software for data management.
Elegant design: Stylish black finish complements modern devices.
Drag-and-Burn interface: User-friendly and efficient.
Cons
No USB 3.0 support: USB-C® is modern, but USB 3.0 would provide faster speeds for older systems.
No Blu-ray support: Limited to CDs and DVDs.
Slight noise during operation: May be noticeable in quiet environments.
Warranty Details
The ASUS ZenDrive U8M comes with a 2-year warranty, covering manufacturing defects and issues that arise under normal use. ASUS is known for its reliable customer service and support, and the 2-year warranty provides peace of mind that the drive is protected against potential defects or issues.
07-Days Refund/Return/Exchange Policy
ASUS offers a 07-day refund, return, or exchange policy for the ZenDrive U8M. If the product does not meet your expectations or if it arrives with defects, you can return it within 07 days of purchase. To qualify for a refund or exchange, the drive must be returned in its original condition, with all packaging and accessories intact. This policy ensures that you have the opportunity to test the drive and ensure it meets your needs.
Conclusion
The ASUS ZenDrive U8M SDRW-08U8M-U/BLK is a high-quality external DVD drive that offers an impressive combination of performance, portability, and advanced features. Its ultra-slim design and USB-C® interface make it a great choice for users who need a compact and modern optical drive solution. The inclusion of M-DISC support adds value for those who require durable and long-term data storage.
While the drive’s lack of USB 3.0 support and Blu-ray capabilities may be drawbacks for some, its overall performance, design, and functionality make it a worthwhile investment. The 2-year warranty and 07-day refund/return/exchange policy further enhance its appeal, providing assurance that ASUS stands behind the quality of their product.
If you are in need of a reliable, portable, and stylish external DVD drive, the ASUS ZenDrive U8M should be at the top of your list. Its combination of features, design, and performance make it an excellent choice for both personal and professional use.