An external DVD writer has the advantage of very simple installation: simply plug in the USB cable and start creating discs.

In the case of the LG GSA-2166D this is very nearly true in that no drivers are needed from the supplied CD in order to install it.

The CD includes the software to write to discs, and to use the included LightScribe technology to etch labels on special LightScribe CDs and DVDs.

It's a Super Multi drive so it can use DVD-RAM discs as well as the most common plus and minus formats. DVD-RAM is able to copy and delete files as required, rather than having to burn the disc again.

The drive is capable of writing to double-layer DVD-R discs but needs an update to write to DVD+R double layer discs.

For those wanting to write to the widest variety of discs, the GSA-2166D is an excellent drive and is easy to install.