feed drive

feed drive

An optical drive that grabs the disc after it is partially inserted in the slot and pulls it onto the drive spindle. Also called a "slot drive" or "slot loading drive," all automobile CD/DVD players as well as the optical drives in Mac computers, flat panel all-in-ones and flat panel TV/DVD combos are feed drives.

Mini CDs/DVDs May Need Adapters
Although some work, many feed drives do not tolerate the smaller 80mm mini CDs and DVDs. However, the 80mm discs can be snapped into a 80-120mm adapter and then inserted into the slot. Contrast with tray drive and caddy drive. See custom-cut CD.

Apple's G4 Cube
In 2000, Apple was the first to use a feed drive in a computer. Feed drives are more convenient than tray drives, which have to be opened before the disc can be inserted. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Apple's G4 Cube
In 2000, Apple was the first to use a feed drive in a computer. Feed drives are more convenient than tray drives, which have to be opened before the disc can be inserted. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)