I-O Data unveiled its new ultra-slim external Blu-ray disc writer, the I-O Data BRP-US6. Enclosed in its compact casing is a notebook (slim) form-factor drive. The unit measures 137(W) × 154(D) × 20(H) mm, weighing 330g. With its 20 mm thickness, its makers claim it's just about as thick as a Blu-ray movie jewel-case. It connects to a PC using a USB 2.0 interface. Disc burning speeds include 6x for single-layer BD-R, 4x for double-layer BD-R, 2x for single and double layer BD-RE, 8x for single-layer DVD+R/-R and DVD+RW, 4x for double-layer DVD+R/-R, 6x DVD-RW, and 5x for DVD-RAM. It is priced at ¥29,600 (US $336) in Japan.