do you still need to use a computer to control the device or does it do it automatically by itself? if you still need a computer, then whatis the advantage of this device over using the dvd drive built in to a computer and the proper software? do you still need to use a computer to control the device or does it do it automatically by itself? if you still need a computer, then whatis the advantage of this device over using the dvd drive... » Read More do you still need to use a computer to control the device or does it do it automatically by itself? if you still need a computer, then whatis the advantage of this device over using the dvd drive built in to a computer and the proper software? « Show Less
1082525
Don't need a computer....it rips by itself...but you need a computer, ipad, app to access the songs....main advantage is it rips fast, stores music in higher quality than mp3 format....won't use up a ton of memory on your computer as songs will be on different device
1082526
You can control the device with a Logitech Squeezebox controller as well as other devices. If your server is also configured for DLNA or PLEX you have a variety of options for controlling the server. But the server is most easily and comprehensively controlled through a web browser on a computer. Advantages of having a dedicated server include (1) much lower power consumption than a desktop computer, (2) auto-ripping CDs onto the server's hard disk, (3) because of (1) you leave the server on all the time and it can serve up media to a variety of devices.
685152
The VortexBox is a complete plug-and-play music ripper, server, and player. You do not need a computer.
1367227
Better off using an external DVD drive. Just plug it into USB port and be done. Also I put an USB 4way splitter on mine and it allows for my mouse, printer, external antenna for wireless signal, and DVD player/burner to work all together on 1 port. I got DVD at Best Buy great price and they have several to choose from mine is 24X.
2269685
I use a laptop and i installed RF7 by their disk but i dont need to run it with the disk still in my laptop disk drive. So you can just plug the controller in and fly! haha if that answers your question
1209979
Presently I have a drive connected to it as a backup device for my laptop. Temporarily. However it is mostly used to check drives and retrieve data.
724691
Very few laptops have CD/DVD drives anymore. Most software is available as a download. If you must install from a CD/DVD then you would need an external drive that plugs into the USB port.
522058
I would say you need the USB controller because one side is USB the other fits into the sign it self like say a phone USB plug in other words I don't see a way to plug it in without the USB. Also it changes the speed and the flashing type. Of course that can also be done with the remote control. I use mine at the Library I work at, we love it, we get comments on it all the time.
943105
I always use the disk. Some programs allow you to load program and then play off of your hard drive.
539005
No internal DVD or CD drive, you must use an external drive via the USB port. Personally, I usually transfer my CDs and DVDs to a thumb drive to use on the ACER. The purpose of no internal DVD drive is simply to save space and keep the unit compact. For a few more bucks, you can get the Acer with a touch screen which really helps with Windows 8
977851
Certainly a driver is needed. I do not recall if the initial driver came off the device itself but in any case, when I upgraded the Microsoft Surface to Windows 8.1, I had to download a new driver from the Internet. The Surface does not have a CD drive. If direct Internet access is a problem, you would need to get the driver onto a USB drive with somebody's help.
875414
I am a little technically challenged but if I buy the small ACER mini laptop and purchase an ecternal drive, which sounds like you connect with a usb cable, can I take this external drive with me on trips and watch DVDs or is this external drive large and not portable, which would defeat my purpose of carrying a mini laptop. Please help!
186085
I have an IT person Miguel who has taken cars of this. It is a bit more sophisticated than a little plug in external drive. It also takes a good bit of time to let the unit synchronize. A good IT person can remote in and get this taken care of for you.
1619120
No, you don't need a computer to use this. It is super easy to use and copies a DVD in just a few minutes.
237286
The reason for this is that the current draw of the external device over USB is more than most USB single ports allow. This gives the ability to add additional amperage to the USB device, therefore powering things like an external DVD drive without another power supply attached.
1253689
It works on it's own. You can use the mini disk provided if the drivers don't install automatically.
636850
Now Dvd-rom is used less. You can use USB flash stick or flash card. This laptop seems more light without a DVD-rom.
1831314
Disk playback works just fine without an Internet connection. I use mine that way most of the time, but the streaming video features that this player also offers, such as Netflix, will require an Internet connection. The disk player detects, through its HDMI connection, if the TV set has been turned off and it will turn itself off. It will also eventually turn itself off if it is not being used, but mine has never turned itself off while I was watching a DVD movie.
784712
I don't know about a DVD drive, but I have attached my external hard drive with no fuss at all. It treats it like a memory card. I would worry about a DVD drive, though, needing an extra driver or two.