Best external DVD writer solution for laptop

[c5ho]

I'm critically running out of space on laptop and have wanted to get a DVD writer for a long time. What kind of technologies/specs should I be looking for in a DVD writer?

I've read that the Benq (1640?) is really good and I plan to buy it from Canada Computers for $49.99. Where can I get a good external enclosure? Which enclosure is cheapest/best performance? Should I get firewire or USB2? I've read that for a DVD writer, firewire is better. Is this true?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

[Cough]

Lots of threads on this. Basically you will be limited to 8x unless you spend a lot on an external enclosure. Some chipsets are better but with cheap enclosures ymmv based on a number of factors.

But I would still just go with a cheap enclosure and an 8x or 16x drive.