Samsung SE-084D

Netbook computers tend not to include CD or DVD drives, which can make installing software a problem.

Most programs can be downloaded, but if you have software on CD, or want to listen to music discs, an external drive is the answer.

Available in several colours, the slim SE-084D connects to the computer using the supplied USB cable. It draws power through this cable too, so no external power supply is required, – though it's worth ensuring your laptop is plugged in to avoid power problems.

It's very slim (under 2cm high) and only a little wider and longer than a CD itself. It reads and writes all common CD and DVD formats.

The box claims that it can be connected to the USB port on some modern TVs so you can play DVDs directly. We tried it on our recent Samsung TV which usually has no problem with USB memory keys, but it didn't work.

That aside, this is still an excellent, cheap way to add CD and DVD capability to any computer.