Sony adds slim, external 8X DVD burner
updated 10:25 am EDT, Tue September 29, 2009
Sony outs DRX-S70U-W DVD drive
Sony today added a designer USB-based DVD rewriter tailored for notebooks. The DRX-S70U-W is only just larger than the drive itself and records single-layerDVDs at 8X; it can also burn rewritable discs at the same speed and dual-layer 8.5GB discs at 6X. The drive is powered by the USB bus and is intended first for netbooks and ultraportables where optical storage isn't built-in.
Full compatibility isn't listed, but Sony does cater to Windows users with a bundled copy of Nero to simplify burning discs. Black and white versions will be available in late October. Pricing wasn't included with the unveiling but is likely to hover near $130.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2009
The drive is not(!) USB bus powered
Argh... After reading your news I ordered the drive and received it today (seems it's already available here in Germany). Unfortunately the information about the drive being USB bis powered is not true. It comes with an AC adapter and unfortunately doesn't seem to work without it.. Guess I'll send it back...