I used to recommend USB external devices to people who I felt weren't competent enough to install a simple device internally. But after some thought, it's only a couple extra steps more of plugging to do. External devices are great for certain situations, but it has been my experience that you pay extra for a below-par performance device a lot of the time. But people who are not as savvy with internal hardware recommend external devices to death, and quite honestly harp on the fact that it's the next biggest thing, at the same time they're overlooking the performances and cost. That's my opinion on that.

Let's compare the LG GSA-4163B with any USB external burner.

Price:
Performance: