The problem with netbooks is that they lack optical drives. I learned that the hard way when I used my netbook at CES earlier this year and everyone was handing me CDs with information on them to check out.

Addonics has a new external optical Blu-ray drive that has both eSATA and USB connectivity. The Blu-ray drive can play Blu-ray movies and burn CDs and DVDs. The drive is also available in a DVD only version that can burn and play DVDs or CDs.

The drives are power efficient enough that they get all the juice they need from the USB port so no external power adapter is needed. Software for burning and playing movies is included as well. Versions in aluminum or plastic housings are available with the Blu-ray version starting at $235 and the DVD version starting at $99.

Addonics