Anaheim (CA) - Targus, usually known as a manufacturer of notebook cases and backpacks, announced a external, USB 2.0-based rewriteable DVD +/- RW drive.

The new drive weighs in at 16.6 oz and measures 0.75 inches thin, according to the company which should make the device a useful companion for road trips. Supported media formats include CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD-RW. The company bundles the drive with Nero 6.0 software, which allows users to organize, edit, play, view and store data onto popular optical media.

The maximum data reead rate is 24x for CD-based media and 8x for DVD-based media. The drive writes CD-Rs at 16x, CD-RW at 10x and DVD-media at 4x speeds.

Targus said it will offer the drive for $490 for purchase on its website and also will make the drive available through its resellers.