Samsung Electronics unveiled yesterday its new slim external DVD writer, the SE-218BB optical disc drive which it says will set the industry standard for ultra portable drives.

“With its ultra small footprint, consumers will appreciate the SE-218BB sleek drive as an ideal companion for ultrabook users that quickly connects and is USB powered to access content wherever they are,” said Maverick Choi, a Samsung project manager, in a press release.

“Through its AV connectivity mode, the drive is also ideal for Tablet PC users that want to view or hear content from a disc.”

Built to accompany a new generation of ultrabook and slim laptop designs, the SE-218BB features a compact size that is 18% thinner, and 8% lighter, than conventional DVD writers at a height of 14 mm.

The external DVD drive is capable of reading and writing files at a variety of speeds across different data media types including: 24X CD-ROM, 24X CD-RW, 8X DVD±R recording, 5X DVD-RAM recording, 6X DVD+R Dual Layer recording, 6X DVD-R Dual Layer recording, 8X DVD+RW recording and 6X DVD-RW recording.

The SE-218BB is available now from retails with a MSRP of US$ 59.99