Asus has introduced a new USB 2.0-powered external Blu-ray combo drive that doesn't require an external power source, though several major questions remain about the drive.
The Asus SBC-04D1S-U External Slim Blu-ray storage device is able to read Blu-ray discs at 4.8x, along with DVD read and write support. Since it's a USB-powered device, users don't need to use an external power supply and instead just plug it into their PC or notebook.
Along with 4.8X BD-ROM read speeds and 8X DVD write speeds, it also can write CD-Rs and CD-RWs at 24X, the Asus web site reads.
Asus hasn't issued a launch date or pricing for the drive, which is expected sometime later this summer.
The device itself looks sleek, and can be stood up or laid on its side, with the blue X on the side of the unit glowing and pulsing when it is being used.
The Asus SBC-04B1S-U likely isn't anything to write home about, and its 4.8x Blu-ray disc reading speed isn't anything stellar, but it looks like an okay unit for people looking for a USB Blu-ray drive.
