Buffalo USB 3.0 12x Blu-ray Writer

The Buffalo USB 3.0 12x Blu-ray Writer (which has a model number of BR3D-12U3 if you’re looking for it on the Buffalo website or elsewhere) is an external disc drive, something we don’t often review.

But in addition to reading and writing CD and DVD discs, though, this one can also read and write Blu-ray discs.

It’s a large device, the size of a large hardback book, and reasonably heavy at 1.2kg. There are only two sockets on the back, for the USB connection and for power, for which an adapter is supplied. It also comes with Cyberlink software for viewing and making discs.

The USB3 cable is supplied – if your computer has the newer, faster USB3 connection you can use this, but the drive doesn’t need USB3. Older USB2 connections will work fine, although reading and writing of discs will be slower as the drive automatically shifts its speed down for the slower connection – it can record Blu-ray discs at 12x the standard speed over USB3, or 6x the standard speed on USB2.

As it stands, this is a relatively expensive way to add Blu-ray to your computer, but if you have a USB3-capable laptop and need to burn discs fast it’ll get the job done.