In a move that’s sure to please fans of physical media, Japanese tech giants Dynabook and NEC have unveiled new laptops equipped with built-in optical drives – a feature increasingly rare in today’s slim and streamlined devices. These laptops, however, aren’t just about nostalgia; they pack modern components and features alongside their “archaic” disc drives.
Dynabook’s new “T” series offers users a choice between a Blu-ray drive or a DVD Super Multi drive. All models boast a 16-inch, 1920×1200 (16:10) display. Under the hood, users can select from a range of Intel 13th-generation processors, including the Core i7-1360P, Core i7-1355U, Core i5-1335U, and Core i3-1305U.
Memory options include 16GB or 32GB of RAM. Connectivity is well-represented with three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port, Ethernet, HDMI, a combined headphone/microphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Pricing for the Dynabook T series starts at $1,046.
NEC’s Lavie N16 also features the same 16-inch display and a DVD Super Multi drive. This laptop offers a choice of AMD Ryzen 7 7735U, Intel Core i5-1235U, or Core i3-1215U processors. Storage options include 256GB or 512GB SSDs. The Lavie N16 includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Prices for the NEC Lavie N16 start at $1,209, depending on the chosen configuration.
Why this matters: While streaming and digital downloads dominate, optical drives still have a place for some users. These new laptops offer a convenient way to access and enjoy movies, install software, or back up important data without relying on an internet connection. The combination of modern specs and optical drives makes these machines a unique offering in today’s laptop market.
