I needed a replacement Superdrive and I’ve been really curious as to what exactly is inside the Apple Macbook Air External USB Superdrive. So I bought one for $108 at my local Apple Store and proceeded to destroy the case by opening it using metal clippers to ensure nothing inside got damaged. However, now knowing more about how it is encased using tabs, I’ve written instructions here on how to open it without damaging anything.

While the MacBook Air SuperDrive only works externally with the MacBook Air possibly due to the USB adapter (Update: confirmed), the internal drive component is interchangeable with the internal 12.7mm 17″ Macbook Pro and most G4 PowerBook drives. It will not work with 15″ MacBook Pro or 13.3″ MacBook models since they need a slimmer 9.5mm SuperDrive.

Since it appears nobody has written a pull apart anywhere else, you can view the gory details after the jump…

Pull apart instructions…

Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate.

Requirements: MacBook Air SuperDrive, old ID or credit card (or similar), and a tiny phillips screwdriver.

Warning: Opening the case will no doubt void the warranty on the whole product. But this can be our little secret.

Step 1: With the bottom facing up, gently insert a credit card (a screwdriver is pictured, but in retrospect a credit card is less damaging since the metal is very pliable). There are three tabs (Update: better view) that need to be popped out and then you can pull one side of the undercarriage free, then the other.

Step 2: Remove three (3) screws and disconnect the USB adapter board (shown below).

Step 3: All done – now one can use it to replace essentially any 12.7mm height slot drive or even create your own external USB case. As of June ‘08, you could even put the bare drive on eBay and turn a profit.

If you need instructions on pulling apart various Macs and iPods, check out ifixit.com/Guide.