LaCie Brings the Burn with Portable DVD Writer

By Geoff Duncan Published October 13, 2009

LaCie-burner Peripheral and accessory maker LaCie has introduced updated versions of its Portable DVD±RW Drive, one aimed at both Mac and PC users and the other for Windows-only folks. The drives are designed to appeal to users of netbooks and notebook computers that have a USB port, but lack an internal optical drive: the units enable users to quickly burn CDs and DVDs, and even fancy them up with LightScribe labeling. The new drives also feature a minimalist design from long-time La Cie collaborator Sam Hecht.

“With the popularity of lightweight laptop computers and netbook solutions, which often exclude optical drives, users need an ultra-portable DVD±RW solution that will allow them to play, save, and share their multimedia collections,” LaCie Multimedia Product Manager Christelle Dexet, in a statement.

Recommended Videos

The new drives feature an 8× burn speed, and are USB bus-powered so users don’t have to carry around a separate power brick to burn or play back media. The drives weigh under one pound and are less than one inch tall; they also support LightScribe technology for burning professional-looking labels onto media directly using the drive’s laser. In terms of hardware, the two versions of the drives are identical, but their bundles differ: the Mac & Windows version features Toast 9 Basic and Creator Suite 10, while the Windows-only version omits Toast 9 Basic.

The drives should be available soon, with the Windows-only version carrying a suggested retail price of $89.99, and the Mac & Windows version going for $119.99.

Former Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Topics

Computing

Google’s next Googlebook could make your Android tablets feel outdated

Googlebooks are moving beyond traditional laptops, and the next one might look more like a tablet.

Computer, Electronics, Laptop

Googlebooks have only been around for a little over a month, but Google is already looking beyond traditional laptops. The company has confirmed that detachable Googlebooks are on the way, meaning we could soon see devices that work as both a tablet and a laptop without carrying two separate gadgets.

The announcement came during the Android Dev Summit 2026, where Google outlined its plans to expand the Googlebook lineup beyond the clamshell and convertible designs currently available. While the company hasn't revealed an official launch date or shown any hardware, an earlier leak suggests Lenovo could be the first manufacturer to bring one to market.

Computing

Meta is already working on its second-gen humanoid robot, but don’t expect it to land in homes anytime soon

Meta wants a robot to do your chores, but it still has to learn how to climb stairs

Fourier’s GR-3 humanoid robot, which the company unveiled in August 2025.

Meta appears to be getting serious about bringing artificial intelligence out of the screen and into the physical world. The company has built a humanoid robot prototype with Chinese robotics firm Fourier, and it is already developing a second-generation version. However, before anyone starts imagining a robot folding laundry or handling household chores, there is a fairly important caveat: this is still research and development, with no launch date in sight.

According to The Information, which cited people familiar with the project, Meta and Fourier built the prototype, internally called Max, in around three months. The roughly 48kg robot is part of Meta's broader ambition to develop humanoids that could eventually carry out everyday tasks in people's homes.

Computing

Anthropic cracks down on video game cloning with new Claude restrictions

Claude can still help develop original games, but copying existing titles is now off the table.

Claude website open on laptop

AI has been making its way into video game development for a while now, but the recent developments have started raising some serious concerns. Popular games are being reverse-engineered with AI assistance, recreated for web browsers, and made playable on platforms they were never released for. Between all that, indie developers have started pulling down their demos over fears of getting copied. Anthropic has now stepped in with new restrictions for Claude Code.

The change was first spotted on X and subsequently confirmed by Anthropic's Addy Osmani. The new instructions prevent Claude from recreating specific existing games, even if they are renamed or presented as original projects. Users can still make original games, work on games within a genre, and use their own designs and assets.