Amex Digital Offers Blu-Ray for MacBooks

By Geoff Duncan October 17, 2008

Amex Digital Offers Blu-Ray for MacBooks

At Apple’s introduction of new MacBook models earlier this week, Apple CEO Steve Jobs characterized Blu-ray technology as a "bag of hurt" from the perspective of a manufacturer because the licensing is "so complex." Although we can’t help but note that Apple has backed Blu-ray from very early days and other computer makers don’t seem to be having oodles of trouble working out the licensing issues, Amex Digital is hoping to capitalize on demand for Blu-ray devices while Apple waits for things to "settle down." Amex Digital’s new Portable Blu-ray Super Multi Drive for MacBook lets users tap into BD single and double-layer media, as well as write DVD±RW discs at 4-8× speeds.

Amex Digital is offering two versions of the drive: the BDP-2 Blu-ray player for $289, and the BDR-2 Blu-ray recorder for $389. The drive can be powered off either a USB 2.0 bus or via a separate 5V DC adapter, and offers a slim 140 by 143 by 16 mm profile that should appeal to portable users. In fact, the drive’s footprint is identical to Amex Digital’s portable DVD burner introduced in July, which bore a striking resemblance to the external DVD burner Apple offered for use with the original MacBook Air.

Although the product is being aimed specifically at MacBook users, Amex Digital is happy to note the drive works with Windows XP and Vista. The drive ships with a USB cable and a user’s guide CD-ROM.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Computing

The best MacBook to buy in 2024

Apple MacBook Pro 16 downward view showing keyboard and speaker.

Now that Apple has started outfitting its laptops with its M3 generation of chips, it's time to take another look at which is the best MacBook to buy in 2024. That’s not always easy, though, as buying the newest MacBook isn’t always the right decision. Apple has several tiers of performance, as well as various sizes, which can further complicate the matter.

What’s more, you can also still get M1 and M2 MacBooks, some from Apple’s own website and some from third-party retailers. But are they still worth your money? Our guide should help you decide.

Computing

How to connect a MacBook to a TV

MacBook on a chair with the TV app on the screen.

Apple’s MacBooks are excellent content-consumption machines, but even the roomiest 16-inch MacBook Pro can’t compare to viewing your favorite shows on a large TV. Whether you’re watching a movie or playing one of the best Mac games, it’s much better to enjoy it on a spacious TV than on a constrained MacBook display.

Computing

If you buy one MacBook Air alternative, make it this one

The MacBook Air on a white table.

I see you. You're considering a flashy new MacBook Air -- perhaps one of the new M3 models or even the cheaper M2 configurations. I'm not going to sit here and pretend like that isn't a wise option to consider for your next laptop. These are excellent laptops, and that M2 model in particular is a solid value at a starting price of $999.

But let me make an appeal to you about a laptop that upends the value proposition of the MacBook Air in a number of ways. The laptop I'm talking about is the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (Q425MA). This is a laptop we reviewed earlier this year, but it continues to be the king of value. No other laptop you can buy right now offers this much bang for your buck -- the MacBook Air included.