Looking for an external DVD/CD drive? Sony is set to release a new slick Optiarc (DRX-S90U) External DVD Burner for the US market later this month. Priced at $70 and powered via USB, this Mac- & PC-compatible drive is capable of Double/Dual layer 8X DVD+R recording speed and 6x DVD+RW while CD speeds clock in at CD-R/RW at 24X.

Hit the jump for a press release and additional photos at 54mbs speeds.

 SONY OPTIARC AMERICA INC. ROLLS OUT SLIM PORTABLE DVD/CD REWRITABLE DRIVE

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 14, 2011- Sony Optiarc America today unveiled its first dual USB bus powered slim portable DVD/CD rewritable drive to complement notebooks, netbooks or desktop PCs.

The new DRX-S90U drive boasts a sleek and ultra lightweight design and supports up to 8X DVDR recording speeds, delivering a full 4.7 GB disc of video, data, music or images on standard 8X DVDR media.

Additionally, the drive can record on 8.5 GB DVDR Double/Dual layer and 4.7 GB DVD-RW discs at 6X speeds, DVD+RW at 8X, DVD-RAM at 5X and CD-R/RW at 24X

The drive comes in a retail package with Nero 10 CD/DVD burning application which is compatible with the Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP operating systems. Additionally, the drive is compatible with the Mac OS X operating system.

The portable drive offers quick and easy connectivity with a Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) digital interface for simple setup and maximum flexibility. The built-in dual USB cables integrate in a cable duct for easy storage.

The DRX-S90U drive will be available through authorized distributors, resellers and select online sites this month for under $70.