My computer has enough power for video playback if I use the provided cable

The Samsung rep says the new models use less power than the older ones, but some tablets, laptops, and even some desktop computers might still not supply enough power through their USB ports

Another review says SP3 does not have enough power to use it

I have several other external USB drives and none of them get enough power from the USB ports on any of our portable computers.

Works great, but on my ultrabook I had to use a specific port to get enough power

It couldn't get enough power to even read a DVD directory

This device is marketed as a "low power" dvd reader/writer for laptops and tablets, yet sucks way more power than a tablet can deliver via USB

Main difference: this 218GN has MyStory photo- and comment-sharing software (Windows only).Only needs power of one USB port, but some devices don't have enough USB power

Even with the provided USB cable, there was not enough power for sustained, high speed reading (copying a DVD to disk)

Finally, a low power DVDRW that will work with my Surface Pro 3 and the Kid

light compact and usb powered