ASUS USB 2.0 6x External Slim Blu Ray Combo with BDXL Support Model SBC-06D2X-U/BLK/G/AS

Pros: Sleek design.
Can be upright or flat.
Quiet.

Cons: As another reviewer noticed, it comes with a messed up region out of the box. Initially, it wouldn't play any DVDs!
I did an RMA, but tech support said nothing was wrong and sent it back. I had to go into the drive and set the region to #2. Then, back to region #1 and it worked.
Tech support was worthless - thanks to the other reviewer for giving me the idea about switching regions!

Other Thoughts: The drive is powered by USB (2-ports). This is a PRO and a CON. It's nice to have fewer cables, but it takes up two ports and the documentation says you can't use a USB hub (although I haven't tried)

Pros: small, with stand

Cons: not recognized by two comps, one with win 8.
required two usb connections, no separate power supply, i guess best for portability though ......

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

If this optical drive is not being recognized by Windows, please follow the step-by-step instructions here for Windows 8 version: http://www.windowsclever.com/windows/windows-8/fix-missing-drive-dvd-windows-8.html

For all other Windows OS versions, please go to: http://www.askvg.com/optical-drives-are-not-showing-in-my-computer/ Feel free to email me at cl-celeste@asus.com and include ref#1072-11323 in the subject line for questions, comments or concerns about this product.

Sincerely,
Celeste
ASUS Customer Loyalty

Pros: Reads CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. Works well. Haven't burned anything yet. Just disc burning software comes with it, NOT blu-ray movie-playing software.

Cons: The drive would not play either DVD movies or Blu-ray movies at first. The Region was not set.

No Blu-ray movie-watching software comes with it. You'll have to provide that on your own.

Other Thoughts: Even though Windows 7 told me that the Region of the drive was set to 1 (North America), it was not really set. So if you're unable to play movies with this drive SET the Region to 1, even if Windows tells you it is already set to 1 (Device Manager, Drive Properties, DVD Region).

Pros: So far this has been a great drive. I've played about a dozen Blu Ray movies without issue, as well as burned a few DVD's. Drive is very nice looking, well balanced (quiet), and feels very durable. I haven't noticed any lag through USB, which I've noticed with other branded external drives (admittedly, those were older products...close to when Blu Ray drives hit the market).

Cons: Included software is lacking and does not include playback for Blu Ray...I had planned on using different software anyway.

Pros: Funky design, cost including rebate

Cons: Gloss black finish is fingerprint magnet

Other Thoughts: Did not have issues playing BD because already have appropriate software. No CD/DVD/BD burned to date. Already purchased 2 for HTPCs.

Pros: Works as advertised. Used to watch my Blu-Ray collection on a HTPC. Does not lag at all and loads up videos very fast. CD and DVD burning also works.

Cons: Vibration when at full speed. Could be a disk issue also, but it has done it with several discs. Does not run at full speed when watching Blu-Ray movies, so this is a non issue.

Bright green led activity light. Would be easy to block out with some tape. For a HTPC it is slightly annoying.

Other Thoughts: Would definitely recommend. Got on sale with 20 MIR. Great price for a great drive.

Pros: Nice to look at, plays well, SATA Connector.

I bought this for an internal Slim drive in an ITX system build. The drive is a SATA-based slimline optical drive, mounted to an USB converter, so it was easy to pop the casing off and remove the drive for internal mounting.

Works like a charm.

I never use bundled software so all the complaints about no BD software don't apply here. Those discs are free coffee coasters.

Cons: Faceplate is a little long for standard slimline size, had to snip about 1" off (1/4" on one side, a whopping 3/4" on the otherside) no stars off for that, since it's marketed as an external drive.

Pros: Great product and does what asked of it. Not ugly either.

Cons: New system build you will need an internal drive to install OS and drivers. Windows install disk does not support it.

I used a drive from an old system and removed it after installing software. Happy with my new drive.

Pros: None

Cons: Bundled software doesn't include BluRay playback.

Not worth the cost to return so it's literally worthless.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

I’m so sorry to hear your situation. Blu-ray player software is not included to maintain the overall cost of the product at a reasonable price. This will also allow you to select the Blu-ray playback of your choice. The good news is that there are several Blu-ray players available for download. Please visit download.com and type-in "Blu-ray playback" in the search box. Should you require my assistance or if you just want to discuss this with me further, please contact me at cl-celeste@asus.com and include ref#1072-8077 in the subject line.

Sincerely,
Celeste
ASUS Customer Loyalty

Pros: Seems to work quite smoothly without any problems - whether playing a regular Blu Ray r a 3D Blu Ray. Overall, a very good buy for the price, happy with purchase.

Cons: Sometimes need to play around a little bit with the USB cables for the laptop to recognize the drive, but overall no problems.