Plextor ships PX-B120U USB-powered Blu-ray drive for $100

By Darren Murph

posted July 21st 2010 8:40AM

We aren't saying your nifty new netbook can actually handle the stresses of playing back a Blu-ray Disc, but if your USB-equipped laptop has the oomph, Plextor has a new device to bring the spoils of BD to your previously lackluster machine. The new PX-B120U is a USB-powered BD-ROM drive, which not only plays back Blu-ray flicks but also burns DVDs and CDs of the blank variety. The standout feature, of course, is the ability to function entirely off of USB power, with no extra AC cabling needed. Furthermore, the device can be converted into a living room player when connected to the forthcoming PlexMedia, and while we wouldn't expect a wealth of extras, the $99.99 MSRP is shockingly tempting.

Plextor USB-powered PX-B120U Blu-ray player

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Plextor Announces the New PX-B120U USB-Powered External BD ROM

PX-B120U lets users enjoy high-definition and 3D movies on the go

(Fremont, CA – July 20, 2010) – Plextor (www.plextor.com), a leading brand of high-performance digital media solutions, announces the new PX-B120U external BD-ROM. The PX-B120U was first introduced at Computex in Taipei, Taiwan in June and is now available for purchase in the U.S.

The PX-B120U is a USB-powered external Blu-ray Disc playback device that allows users to watch high-definition movies on any Blu-ray capable PC or notebook*. The device comes bundled with Cyberlink –high-quality Blu-ray and DVD playback software that provides a full Blu-ray experience in 3D, including the ability to upscale standard videos to HD-like and 3D-like visual quality.

"Blu-ray has become the media player of choice for consumers and we wanted to provide a versatile solution to our customers," said Christine Hsing, Marketing Manager at Plextor. "The PX-B120U is great for on-the-go viewing and can also serve as the Blu-ray player at home. It's a great all around solution for anyone's Blu-ray needs."

Its compact, slender design makes the PX-B120U easy to transport in existing cases or bags without adding extra bulk. There's no need to carry an additional AC adapter or other cables. Also, the top-load design makes it easy to open from any angle even with minimal space. The drive's external design features a unique ripple pattern and a smooth, gloss texture finish.

When connected via USB cable, the four-speed mechanism provides smooth Blu-ray playback. It also provides extensive support to multiple media formats; including DVD+ /- R, DVD +/-RW, DVD +/- R DL, DVD-RAM and CD-R.

Additionally, when the PX-B120U is connected to Plextor's soon-to-be-released media player, PlexMedia, it can also function as a living room Blu-ray player. The ability to use it permanently at home, or take it with you, makes it a truly versatile drive.

Plextor's PX-B120U external BD-ROM is available now in the U.S. with an MSRP of $99.99. For more information, please visit www.plextor.com

*Note: System must meet certain requirements for BD playback