14 DAY TRIAL // After supplying new products for the PC and peripheral markets, ASUS has decided to make a move on the portable optical storage market, so it brought out the 'Extreme Slim' external DVD-RW drive, which is intended as a companion product for the many ODD-less laptops currently available.
Mostly, ASUS tried to not only provide a versatile external optical disk drive (ODD), but also add a touch of aesthetic value to this segment, knowing that standards are always growing when it comes to looking presentable.
As such, the product is only 14mm-thick and the device has a brushed aluminum finish.
Furthermore, the device weighs only 320 grams and has an included USB cable, which draws the necessary power straight from the PC/laptop itself.
Granted, this does not exactly impact positively upon notebook battery life, but requiring an auxiliary power connector would defeat the whole purpose of mobility.
What's more, in terms of compatibility, the newcomer uses the USB 2.0 interface, which practically makes it capable of communicating with most, if not all mobile PCs currently on sale.
"Marking a departure from the bulky and bland appearance of typical external optical drives, the Extreme Slim External DVD-RW continues the emphasis placed by ASUS on innovative design," Asus states.
"The extremely thin and compact squared form factor offers a refreshing take on this class of accessory, revitalizing the work and play spaces of PC users with a fun, easy to carry device," the offical announcement adds.
The Extreme Slim can write a variety of disks, such as DVD-RAM 5X / DVD±R (8X), DVD+R DL 6X, DVD+RW (8X), DVD-R DL (6X), DVD-RW (6X), CD-R (24X) and CD-RW (16X).
Finally, the electronic is compatible with the Genuine Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. Unfortunately, the company did not actually reveal pricing and availability details.