What’s to come of the CD/DVD drive?

Heads up everyone, manufacturers are changing the cosmetics of computers.  They are following in Apple’s footsteps and starting to build computers without CD/DVD drives. 

We were introduced to this concept with the new Ultrabook models that hit the markets, targeted to help keep size and weight to a minimum in portable devices. 

Now they are opting to take it one step further and introduce this concept in all models across their range.  So you will start to see standard sized notebooks without these drives. 

Now don’t panic, we don’t see this as causing too much of an issue as most software companies are now directing their customers to download from their website. Printer manufacturers have been doing this for quite some time now as well. 

The only thing you need to be aware of is the more you rely on your Internet the higher your download usage will be so make sure you review your data package you have with your Internet service provider (ISP). 

So how do you play or copy to a CD/DVD if you still want this option.  Well you can purchase a portable drive that plugs into your USB port on your device. This will enable you to do things you normally would have done if the drive was internal.  

With the removal of the CD/DVD drive it also means we will start to see more compact cases for desktop computers.  We at iseek computing have a computer on demo in our store which fits in the palm of your hand.  With technology of today this computer is most probably faster than your current computer at home or office! 

So when you go looking for your next computer check to see if it still comes with a CD/DVD drive or decide whether you actually really need one anyway. 

As always, if you need more advice, don’t hesitate to contact your local IT professional.