There is a lot of debate about whether you need a laptop with a CD drive or not in this digital age. But the fact remains that there are still many software programs and other documents that can only be accessed on a computer via a disc. Even if you have an external DVD drive, it’s still convenient to have the option to insert an optical drive directly into your laptop.

Buying Guide

Many brands of late are avoiding including a CD or DVD drive. If you intend to buy a laptop with the best specifications and a CD or DVD drive, here are things you must bear in mind.

• Processor: As you may know, the processor or CPU is the heart of the machine. You should look for the CPU's number of cores and clocking speed. You must ensure that the laptop you are shortlisting has a minimum of 2 cores and its clocking speed is no less than 2.5GHz. Another key consideration is the make and brand. Intel and AMD are two significant players that both offer efficient computing capabilities.
• Graphics Processor and GPU: There are laptop models with integrated graphics processors or separate graphics cards. Having superior graphics delivery means you should be able to enjoy playing games on the laptop.
• Display: There are two or three elements to be looked at as far as the display is concerned. Laptops start at 13-inches and usually go up to 17-inches. You can choose the size based on your needs and viewing comfort. Touchscreen displays may add to the cost, but their use is more convenient. The performance of the display is measured through screen resolution. A full HD resolution screen is ideal for the laptop you plan to buy.
• RAM & Storage: The laptop's memory component has two elements: the random-access memory or RAM and the internal storage memory. You should not go below 8GB of RAM for the laptop you invest in. If you plan to use it to play games, it would be best to go up to at least 16GB. However, dedicated gaming laptops are on the market with up to 32GB of RAM. A decent storage level is 500GB SSD or 1TB HDD.
• Battery: Battery is another crucial component when purchasing any laptop. Check if the spec sheet indicates the average battery life. This is the number of hours you can work on the machine once fully charged. Six hours is considered the median figure. If the laptop offers eight hours of battery life, you can go for it.

Laptops With an Optical Drive 

Versatile Laptop 

HP 17.3-inch Durable Laptop

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The HP laptop has a massive 17.3-inch display screen that produces high-definition images. Apart from streaming movies and other video content, the screen is highly suitable for browsing the internet, editing-based work, and checking e-mails. The only thing this vibrant screen lacks is touch functionality. 

The laptop offers an excellent amalgamation of vintage and advanced features. Among its many connectivity options is an optical drive that can play CDs and DVDs.

The laptop is available in three different variants. One of the models features 12GB RAM and a 1TB HDD. The other offers you 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD; the third model has 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. You will get more storage space regardless of which model you opt for. The silver metallic design of the device is simple but attractive. One of the laptop's highlights is its comfortable keyboard with backlit functionality.

 

• It is suitable for those who still use CDs and DVDs and need an optical drive to play them.
• It is also recommended for individuals looking to invest in a laptop with a large screen display.

 

• Backlit keyboard
• Available in multiple variants
• It comes with an optical drive
• Large and vibrant display screen

 

• The screen is not touch-enabled
• Slightly heavy

A Versatile Mid-Range Laptop with Large Display and Built-In DVD Drive

HP 17 Premium  Anti-Glare Computer

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The HP Pavilion 17 Laptop with DVD is a solid mid-range laptop that offers good performance for everyday computing tasks. With its 10th generation Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor and 8GB of RAM, it has enough power to handle basic productivity tasks, such as browsing the web, sending emails, and working on documents.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its large 17.3-inch anti-glare display, which provides ample screen real estate for multitasking and watching videos. The anti-glare coating helps reduce eye strain, making it easier to use the laptop for longer periods of time.

Another great feature of this laptop is its built-in DVD drive, which is becoming increasingly rare in laptops these days. This makes it a great choice for anyone who still uses physical media, such as DVDs or CDs.

The laptop also has a decent selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader, which provides plenty of options for connecting peripherals and external displays.

 

• Large display: The laptop's 17.3-inch display is great for anyone who needs a lot of screen real estate for work or entertainment purposes. It's also anti-glare, which helps reduce eye strain and makes it easier to use for longer periods of time.

 

• Large display: The 17.3-inch display is one of the largest you'll find on a laptop, making it great for multitasking and media consumption.

• Built-in DVD drive: The inclusion of a DVD drive is a great feature for anyone who still uses physical media, such as DVDs or CDs.

• Anti-glare coating: The anti-glare coating on the display helps reduce eye strain, making it easier to use the laptop for longer periods of time.

 

• Lower resolution display: The 1600x900 pixel resolution may not be sufficient for users who demand higher resolutions for things like photo or video editing.

• Limited graphics capabilities: The laptop comes with integrated Intel UHD graphics, which may not be suitable for running demanding games or graphics-intensive applications.

A Well-Designed Laptop 

HP 17.3" Non-Touch Laptop Intel

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First off, this laptop has a lot of great features that make it a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient device for work or personal use. The i5-10210U processor is fast and powerful, making it great for multitasking and running multiple applications at once. The 8GB of RAM is also a nice touch, as it ensures that the laptop can handle demanding tasks with ease.

One standout feature of this laptop is the backlit keyboard, which makes typing in low-light conditions much easier. This is especially useful for anyone who frequently works or studies at night, or who often finds themselves in dimly lit environments.

Another nice touch is the 512GB SSD, which provides ample storage space for files and applications. This is a solid improvement over traditional HDD storage, which can be slower and less reliable over time.

The laptop also features a range of ports, including USB 3.1, HDMI, and Ethernet, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices and peripherals. The built-in webcam and microphone are also useful for video calls and online meetings.

Why Should You Buy This?

• Powerful and efficient performance - The laptop's fast processor and ample RAM make it great for multitasking and running demanding applications, ensuring that you can work or study efficiently and without slowdowns.

• Comfortable typing experience - The laptop's backlit keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, even in low-light conditions, which can be especially useful for students or professionals who frequently work or study in dimly lit environments.

Pros

• Fast and powerful processor - The i5-10210U processor is fast and efficient, making it great for multitasking and running multiple applications at once.
• Backlit keyboard - The backlit keyboard is a standout feature that makes typing in low-light conditions much easier and more comfortable.
• Ample storage space - The 512GB SSD provides ample storage space for files and applications, ensuring that you can store everything you need on the laptop itself.

Cons

• No dedicated graphics card - The lack of a dedicated graphics card may limit the laptop's ability to handle certain graphics-intensive applications or games.
• Non-touch display - While the non-touch display is sharp and clear, some users may prefer a touchscreen display for increased functionality and ease of use.

17.3-inch Laptop with Powerful Processing Unit 

Dell Inspiron 17 High-Performing Laptop

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The Dell Inspiron i3793-7275SLV-PUS is a powerful and versatile laptop that offers excellent performance for both work and entertainment purposes. With a 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor and 16GB of RAM, this laptop can handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its large 17.3-inch display. The Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution provides crisp and clear visuals, making it great for streaming movies and videos, as well as for work-related tasks such as photo or video editing. The laptop also has a built-in DVD drive, which is a great feature for anyone who still uses physical media, such as DVDs or CDs.

The keyboard and touchpad are also comfortable to use, which is great for extended periods of use. Additionally, the laptop has a backlit keyboard, which makes it easier to type in low-light settings.

However, there are a few drawbacks to this laptop. The battery life is relatively short, lasting up to 5 hours on a single charge. This may not be sufficient for users who need to work on the go for extended periods of time without access to a power outlet. Additionally, the laptop is relatively heavy, weighing in at 6.16 pounds, which may not be ideal for frequent travel.

 

• Powerful performance: With a 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor and 16GB of RAM, this laptop offers excellent performance for demanding applications and multitasking.

• Large display: The laptop's 17.3-inch Full HD display provides crisp and clear visuals, making it great for streaming movies and videos, as well as for work-related tasks such as photo or video editing. Additionally, the built-in DVD drive adds to the laptop's versatility and makes it easier to access older media content.

 

• Powerful performance: The 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor and 16GB of RAM provide excellent performance for demanding applications and multitasking.

• Large display: The laptop's 17.3-inch Full HD display provides crisp and clear visuals, making it great for streaming movies and videos, as well as for work-related tasks such as photo or video editing.

• Backlit keyboard: The laptop has a backlit keyboard, which makes it easier to type in low-light settings. This is a great feature for anyone who needs to work in dimly lit environments, such as during red-eye flights or in a dimly lit room.

 

• Short battery life: The laptop's battery life is relatively short, lasting up to 5 hours on a single charge. This may not be sufficient for users who need to work on the go for extended periods of time without access to a power outlet.

• Heavy weight: The laptop weighs 6.16 pounds, which is relatively heavy compared to other laptops in its class. This may not be ideal for frequent travel or for users who need to carry their laptop around with them for long periods of time.

Premium Design Laptop with Strong Connectivity Features

HP Pavilion 22-inch Touch-Enabled Screen All-in-One PC

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This particular laptop seems to have been designed for individuals who like some features that a personal computer comes with while appreciating the ease a laptop provides. So, while the system offers you many modern features, it also comes with several features, like a DVD writer, that you would expect in a computer from a couple of years back.

It is powered by the incredible AMD Ryzen 3 3350U quad-core processor, ensuring speedy operation. One of the reasons why many people invest in it is because of its display screen. The screen is 22 inches wide and offers a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It comes with anti-glare technology and features a three-sided micro-edge display.

Why Should You Buy This?

• An excellent option for those who wish to invest in a personal computer that can be easily set up or assembled.
• Highly recommended for multimedia professionals who need a massive screen display to work.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Features a DVD writer
• 22-inch display screen
• High-end processing unit

Cons

• No USB-C port
• Low-resolution webcam

 

You may also read Best Laptops For Home Use.

Frequently asked questions about the best laptops with optical drives.

1. Can I get the laptop CD drive fixed separately?

No. The CD drive has to be part of the original design of the laptop and cannot be added to it later. You can enhance the RAM or the storage, but not a DVD drive. However, you can connect an external CD/DVD drive via a USB cable.

2. Do all laptops come with an international warranty?

No, not necessarily. It depends on the manufacturer and the reseller. The warranty may apply based on where you are buying the laptop. Some manufacturers follow a policy where the warranty rights are transferred to the person using the machine. If someone buys a laptop in one country and moves to another, the warranty is transferred to the new country.

3. Do laptops come with MS Office pre-loaded?

No. Most brands don't add MS Office as standard software on their laptops. You will have to buy one. Windows 10 has nowadays become the default operating system in almost all laptops. If you already have the key for MS Office, you can continue using it on the new laptop you are buying.

4. Can I play all the games on my laptop?

It depends on the laptop you have purchased. Playing games is not a problem if it has a decent display and RAM of no less than 8GB. However, you may not be able to play all the games as their technical requirements may differ. Check the game's requirements and match the laptop specs. The GPU, graphics display capabilities, RAM, and cooling systems will determine this.

5. Can I watch Netflix on my laptop?

Yes, definitely. You can watch all OTT streaming content on your laptop. Your laptop has to be connected to a Wi-Fi source. The data speed of the Wi-Fi connectivity should be good enough for streaming videos without buffering.

Conclusion

If you are looking for one of the best laptops with CD drives, you can't go wrong with any of the laptops listed here. A laptop with an optical drive option is not as popular as it used to be, but plenty of models come in various price ranges to ensure all can afford one. The laptops mentioned here range from $400 to $1000, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.