HOW TO – Universalize a MacBook Air SuperDrive

Computers & Mobile
HOW TO – Universalize a MacBook Air SuperDrive
macAirDriveHack.jpg

tnkgrl writes:

So like me, you have a MacBook Air SuperDrive… It’s affordable, it’s functional, it’s sexy. If only it was usable with other Macs and PCs!

Well rejoice :) I have successfully hacked my MBA SuperDrive to work with other Macs and PCs. All you need is a $9 part (shipping extra) and a bit of soldering and you too can do this mod.

MacBook Air SuperDrive for all

4 thoughts on “HOW TO – Universalize a MacBook Air SuperDrive

  1. Anonymous says:

    It is heartwarming to know that, in fact, the various theories about this drive working only with the MBA because of some sort of technical limitation were incorrect and that the device is just crippled by design.

    I can only assume that this is linked in some way with Apple’s policy of confining burn support to Apple-blessed drives; but deliberately crippled hardware just leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth. Technical limitations, while unfortunate, are understandable. Deliberately making things worse than they need to be, that is just uncalled for.

  2. hojo says:

    You hit the nail on the head. They attempt to force the technically declined into buying more of their hardware, but their conception of their customers makes me not want to be one. A decent company gives you every thing they can without adding cost. They likely had to pay more money to cripple the drive since it likely wasn’t an “off the shelf” solution.

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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

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