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Partner for the netbook: Key considerations for external burners

The mobility and low cost come at a price, though: no bells and whistles. That usually means that no DVD drive or burner is included. There are two options for getting around that missing equipment: burn CDs or DVDs using a network drive, or purchase an external burner.

Slimline models are well suited for netbooks, says Sven Schulz from Germany’s Computer Bild magazine. They are very small - “about as large as two or three CD cases stacked on top of one another,” he says. And they draw their power from the computer’s USB port - that means you don’t have to carry along an extra power adaptor for them.

External burners draw so little power than the extra consumption will hardly register on the netbook’s battery. “It won’t go empty significantly quicker than normal,” Schulz says. Most burners only require a connection to one USB port.

If problems arise with the unit, though, they may be power related. That’s because one single port does not necessarily provide enough juice for an external burner. “Practically speaking, it’s enough for most units,” says Schulz, who tested a variety of burners in that class.

Otherwise, try plugging in the Y cable included with many models. It is split to plug into two USB ports at the same time, since many netbooks include USB ports on the right and left sides. In some cases even the Y cable isn’t long enough to reach both. “In that case, use a USB extender for one side or the other,” Schulz says.

Users are advised to test out the interplay between the burner and computer immediately after purchase. That leaves time to return the device if the two don’t get along. Many slimline burners can also be run using a power adaptor, although that generally must be purchased separately.

The slimline class all work at roughly the same speed. They are slower than their cousins for building into PCs or the larger external burners in what is called the “half-height” format. Even so, slimline models can burn a DVD in 10 to 15 minutes. “The burning speed isn’t a major issue,” says Christian Wegers from hardware maker Asus.

One interesting aspect when choosing between units is the noise they generate. Slimliners are generally considered quiet. Reading a review of the units in a test magazine can provide hard numbers before you make a purchase.

Some slimliners have a retractable drawer for inserting DVDs or CDs. Others have a slot for automated intake of the disc. While the drawer group is more sensitive to dust, the slot version can only handle standard sized blanks - no mini-CDs. External DVD burners in the slimline format are available from 60 dollars. Most devices in the class are available for well below 100 dollars.