what's the difference between the GP50NB40 and the GP40NB40, looking the tech spec looks the same for me.

It almost the same, the gp50 it's just the new version of the gp40. The gp50 might read a little faster. I'm no expert but whatever you trying to do, both are capable of doing the same job. I pick the GP40 for it's looked and I don't regret it.

can I play cd and dvd movies

Yes but does not come with software to play DVDs. You have to purchase that separately.

Does this require connecting to 2 USB ports with a Y cable? If so, does it come with the cable?LG web site doesn't say.

I got one of these. It came with one 1-port cable. I am able to use it that way on a USB 3 hub on a PC.I did order a Y cable that I have not needed to use. My current laptop does have a DVD drive. My next computer probably will not have one.

Can I use this on my Asus laptop with Windows 8.1?

I volunteer at a boarding school for troubled teens fixing their computers and I have used it to install Windows 8.1 on an Asus laptop, it then worked just fine in windows. Windows recognized the unit with the built-in drivers. I'm actually having the school buy one that they can use when I'm not there. I also like this product because there is no power supply and it only needs one USB cable. Less wires the better! :)

Brand	LG
Series	GP50NB40
Item model number	GP50NB40
Hardware Platform	Laptop, PC
Operating System	Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X
Item Weight	10.9 ounces
Product Dimensions	5.7 x 0.8 x 5.4 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH	5.7 x 0.8 x 5.4 inches
Color	Black
Hard Drive Interface	USB 1.1
Manufacturer	LG ODD
ASIN	B00AWRTXVS
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Date First Available	January 4, 2013

Electronics External Slim DVDRW 8X with Software, Black GP50NB40

Details

Description

Specifications

Common Questions