External DVD writers using USB 2.0 - how fast are they?

[SearchQuality]

Ladies and Gentlemen I hope I am not repeating an nth time answered question. If I wish to buy an external DVD writer it uses a USB 2.0 port. Does anybody have experience on this subject, how fast or how slow is such a device compared to an internal one. Apart from lack of internal channels why would one prefer an external device or should one not prefer it at all? Clear information on this subject or hints as to where to find it will be welcome. Thanks.

[NYPlayer]

I prefer external simply for flexibility. I can take it on the road and use on my laptop.

I personally went for a usb 2.0/firewire drive. With firewire I can Daisy chain drives. I even went as far as getting a usb 2.0/firewire case for my internal Sony.

[SLICK RICK]

I have a External Sony and was using USB and my 2x burn took 30min just like everyone else reported their internal did. But I installed a firewire card for transfers from my DV Camera, and my Sony also came with a Firewire Cable so now I am using that, but no change in speed. 2x still equals 30min.

SLICK RICK

[SLICK RICK]

Where are you located, I bought mine from Best Buy with a 3 year warranty. Its a really good drive.

GOOD LUCK,

SLICK RICK

[orbital517]

I got a Pioneer 105 external with USB 2.0 and it burns at the same speed as my internal TDK 440N............but it sure is great when you are on the go with my laptop.