Buyer's Guide 2026Q1: ASUS BW-16D1X-U vs Verbatim 43890

[gilbert32]

I'd like to purchase one of the following 2026 Q1 broader available drives to use them as a Libredrive (after flashing).

1. ASUS BW-16D1X-U: probably LG WH16NS40 inside
2. Verbatim 43890: probably LG BU40N inside

What is the recommendation of those two?
Any downsides (in comparison) for the recommendation?

Any other drive recommendations which are broader available (eg. Verbatim 43888)?

I've read in the forum that the ASUS BW-16D1X-U got some issues with the current version of MakeMKV and requires an older version (eg. v1.17.7).

[Billycar11]

i would go for the BU40N had better luck with those when i was selling them

[healthyHardrive]

What did you end up buying and what has been your experience?
I am looking to buy a Verbatim as well.

Does anyone know what the difference is between the different models (43888, 43889, 43890)?
And whether any of them are preferable? I will use it with my mac laptop primarily.
Thanks for any advise.

[boguslecina]

If I know correctly, Verbatim 43890 has a Pioneer BDR-UD03, not Hitachi-LG BU40N.
43890 is a very old model.

[healthyHardrive]

If I know correctly, Verbatim 43890 has a Pioneer BDR-UD03, not Hitachi-LG BU40N.
43890 is a very old model.

So is that model not preferable since it is older?
I guess I will go with a 43888 then since it is easy to flash if I need 4K in the future.
I was just wondering if the power draw from a laptop usb c was sufficient. And the 43890 seems to have an external power supply (which the 43888/89 does not)

[dcoke22]

If your laptop's USB ports aren't powerful enough, it is fairly easy to get a high powered USB hub that will have powerful enough ports.

I've seen Billycar11 suggest a Sabrent HB-BU10 hub. Personally, I like the Plugable USB3-HUB7C. There are lots of others that will work.