Browsing one of my favorite tech news sites in Japan I came across info on an external version of the PX-716al (slot loader type dvd writer).
All the specs are the same as the internal counterpart but in an external package that looks fairly nice. http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/ ... extor1.htm
The drive has USB 2.0 and firewire connectivity and will cost about 21,980 yen (about 210 USD)
I think the drive looks nice, especially with its blue led goodness for the power indicator. It also does look fairly rugged for portability, I might pick one of these up. I love that it has no tray for that extra duribility (if the mech isnt crap that is) What do you guys think of plextors new offering?