Plextor DVD WriterPlextor launched what it claims as the world's smallest DVD writer, a slim external unit aimed at notebook users. It weighs 250g, 1.6cm high and barely bigger than a CD.

The PX-608CU supports all DVD recordable and rewriteable formats, including dual-layer media. Speeds range from 4x to 8x. It burns CD-R/RW discs at 24x and has 2MB of buffer memory on board.

It connects via USB 2.0, doesn't need a separate AC adaptor which is a boon for laptop users.

Plextor also launched an ATAPI-connected internal version of the drive named PX-608AL. It has a slot-load mechanism - the external drive pops open like an old-style portable CD player. Both drives come with a two-year collect and return warranty. The drives will ship in October. via RegHardware