Overview of ASUS ZenDrive U9M
The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is a well-designed external DVD drive that packs advanced features in a sleek profile, making it a valuable addition to your computer system. With the rise of cloud storage and the diminishing reliance on physical media, external drives might seem like a thing of the past. However, for many users, having access to a reliable optical drive remains essential, especially for backing up data, playing media, or accessing legacy software.
Key Features
- Dual-Interface Design: The ZenDrive U9M comes with both USB 3.0 and USB Type-C interfaces, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices including laptops, desktops, and tablets.
- Ultra-Slim and Portable: With its ultra-slim profile of just 13.9 mm and lightweight design, this external drive is highly portable and can easily fit into your bag, making it ideal for users on the go.
- Disc Encryption: The ZenDrive offers disc encryption to keep your data safe, allowing users to protect sensitive information stored on CDs or DVDs.
- Smart Burn Technology: This technology optimizes writing speed and ensures that data is written with high precision, reducing the chances of errors and ensuring data integrity.
- DVD Region Free: Unlike many optical drives, the ZenDrive U9M supports multiple region codes, making it an excellent choice for international users.
Price of ASUS ZenDrive U9M in Pakistan
The price of the ASUS ZenDrive U9M in Pakistan can fluctuate based on various factors such as import duties, market demand, and seller pricing strategies. As of October 2023, you can expect to find the ZenDrive priced approximately around PKR 8,500 to PKR 12,000. This price range places the ZenDrive in a competitive category, especially when considering its features and reliability.
Availability
Availability of the ASUS ZenDrive U9M in Pakistan can vary. It is often found in major electronics stores and online marketplaces like Daraz.pk, HomeShopping.pk, and Shophive.com. Always check for authorized retailers to ensure that you are purchasing a genuine product. You may also seek local computer hardware stores that keep a selection of external drives.
Comparison with Other External Drives
When considering the ASUS ZenDrive U9M, it’s essential to compare it with other popular external drives available in the market. Below is a table showcasing some alternatives and their key features:
| Model |
Interface |
Price Range (PKR) |
Special Features |
| ASUS ZenDrive U9M |
USB 3.0 and Type-C |
8,500 – 12,000 |
Disc encryption, smart burn technology |
| LG GP65NB60 |
USB 2.0 |
6,000 – 9,500 |
LightScribe technology |
| Samsung SE-208GB |
USB 2.0 |
5,000 – 7,500 |
Compact design, cross-platform compatibility |
| Transcend TS8XDVDS-K |
USB 2.0 |
5,000 – 8,000 |
Durable design, bundled software |
Who Should Consider the ASUS ZenDrive U9M?
The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is well-suited for a variety of users:
- Students: For students needing to access textbooks, software, or backups, this drive can become indispensable as many educational resources are still distributed on physical media.
- Professionals: Whether you are a graphic designer or an audio editor, having an external drive allows the flexibility of working with high-quality media without restrictions.
- Media Enthusiasts: For those who still enjoy movies and music on physical discs, the ZenDrive helps you enjoy your collection with ease.
- Users in Developing Regions: For those in areas with inconsistent internet access, having a reliable external drive is significant for accessing software and managing backups.
Conclusion
The ASUS ZenDrive U9M proves itself to be a reliable, versatile, and stylish external drive that is worthy of consideration for users who require an optical drive. Whether you’re looking to access older software, watch movies on DVD, or create backups of important data, the ZenDrive U9M delivers on all fronts. Its solid build quality and advanced features like dual-use interface and disc encryption make it a smart purchase, especially considering the fluctuating prices in Pakistan. For those seeking a blend of modern design and traditional functionality, the ASUS ZenDrive U9M is an excellent choice.
ASUS ZenDrive U9M Comparision
| Model |
Price in Pakistan (PKR) |
Type |
Interface |
Write Speed |
Read Speed |
Features |
| ASUS ZenDrive U9M |
7,800 |
External DVD Writer |
USB 3.0 |
24x DVD+/-R |
8x DVD+R DL |
Lightweight, Compact Design, Nero BackItUp |
| ASUS ZenDrive U5 |
6,500 |
External DVD Writer |
USB 2.0 |
24x DVD+/-R |
8x DVD+R DL |
Affordable, Portable, Simple Plug-and-Play |
| ASUS External Slim DVD Writer (SDRW-08U5S-U) |
5,800 |
External DVD Writer |
USB 3.0 |
24x DVD+/-R |
8x DVD+R DL |
Slim Design, Compatible with Windows & Mac |
| ASUS ZenDrive U10 |
9,500 |
External DVD Writer |
USB 3.0 |
24x DVD+/-R |
8x DVD+R DL |
Superior Build Quality, Additional Software Bundle |
| ASUS SDRW-08D2S-U |
5,000 |
External DVD Writer |
USB 2.0 |
24x DVD+/-R |
8x DVD+R DL |
Ultra-Portable, Power Saving Modes, Silent Operation |
| ASUS CD/DVD/Blu-ray Drive (BC-12D2HT) |
12,000 |
External Blu-ray Writer |
USB 3.0 |
N/A |
12x Blu-ray Read |
Plays Blu-Ray, DVD, and CD, Windows 10 Compatible |
Comparison Overview of ASUS ZenDrive U9M with Other Models
The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is a notable external DVD writer that stands out due to its compatibility, speed, and portable design. When comparing it with other models from ASUS, several factors come into play:
Price Analysis
The price of the ASUS ZenDrive U9M is set at approximately 7,800 PKR, positioning it at a mid-range point compared to other external drives. The U5, which is more affordable at 6,500 PKR, offers a basic feature set, while the U10 is the most expensive option at 9,500 PKR, featuring advanced bundle software and enhanced build quality. The most affordable option, the SDRW-08D2S-U, can be found for about 5,000 PKR, attracting budget-conscious consumers.
Type and Compatibility
All models mentioned, including the ASUS ZenDrive U9M, are external DVD writers that are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, thus catering to a broad audience. However, the BC-12D2HT model distinguishes itself as a Blu-ray writer, enabling not just DVD burning and reading but also the capacity to handle Blu-ray discs, catering largely to multimedia enthusiasts.
Speed Performance
In terms of speed, both the ASUS ZenDrive U9M and other USB 3.0 models, such as the U5 and External Slim DVD Writer, reach a maximum write speed of up to 24x for DVDs. However, the read speed of the ZenDrive U9M is equivalent to competitors. The UD10 model is consistent across the board with DVD writing speeds. The SDRW-08D2S-U operates using the older USB 2.0 interface, which naturally limits both read and write speeds compared to USB 3.0 counterparts.
Design and Portability
When it comes to design, portability is a key consideration. The ZenDrive U9M features a lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry, which is prevalent in most ASUS external writers. However, users looking for an extremely portable option might lean toward the SDRW-08D2S-U, which combines power-saving modes and silent operation for enhanced user convenience during travel.
Additional Features
One of the highlights for the ASUS ZenDrive U9M is the accompanying software, Nero BackItUp, which facilitates easy backups and additional functionality that stands out compared to other basic models. The U10 also provides an appealing software bundle alongside sophisticated build quality. Features like compatibility with both Windows and macOS make these drives versatile across different user environments.
Conclusion
The ASUS ZenDrive U9M is a well-balanced external DVD writer with its competitive pricing and robust feature set. While it offers a strong value proposition, potential buyers should consider their specific needs—such as speed, price, or advanced functionality—when selecting from the range of ASUS external drives. Options like the BC-12D2HT can be better for users needing Blu-ray capabilities, while the U5 serves as an affordable alternative for those seeking fundamental features. Each model has its strengths, so assessing individual usage scenarios will yield the best choice.
In summary, while the ASUS ZenDrive U9M holds its ground in terms of price and features, other models should not be overlooked as they may provide specific functionalities that cater to varying needs in data writing and retrieval.
Shakeel Rafiq –
Mujhe ye external drive bohat pasand aayi! Iski speed behad achi hai aur design bhi stylish hai. DVD ya CD ko read karna asan hai. Price bhi munasib hai. 5 stars se ziada milte hain isay!